Nigeria’s National Democratic Congress (NDC) is grappling with growing internal unrest following its nationwide primary elections, as disputes over candidate selection, delayed results and allegations of manipulation continue to fuel tensions across the party.
What was expected to be a major step toward consolidating the NDC’s position as a leading opposition force ahead of the 2027 general elections has instead exposed deep divisions among party stakeholders.
Although the party’s National Executive Committee announced that it had ratified the outcome of the May 29 primaries, official results have yet to be released, leaving many members frustrated and suspicious of the process.
The controversy is particularly intense in Kano State, where a struggle for influence has emerged between members of the Kwankwasiya Movement and long-standing NDC officials.
The disagreement escalated after an unofficial list of candidates began circulating online, prompting accusations that loyalists of former Kano State governor and NDC vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, were given preferential treatment during the nomination process.
In an effort to calm tensions, the party’s spokesman, Osas Director, insisted that no official list of candidates had been released and urged members to disregard documents circulating on social media.
He maintained that the party would not impose candidates in Kano or any other state and reaffirmed the NDC’s commitment to internal democracy.
“The NDC leadership will not impose candidates anywhere in the country,” Director stated, describing ongoing reconciliation talks as productive.
Despite those assurances, reports indicate that relations between Kwankwaso’s camp and sections of the party leadership remain strained.
Sources within the party claim that a power-sharing arrangement reached when Kwankwaso joined the NDC has become a source of dispute, with both sides accusing each other of abandoning previous agreements during the primaries.
The situation has fueled speculation that Kwankwaso could reconsider his future within the party if disagreements over candidate nominations are not resolved.
In the South-East, another layer of controversy has emerged, with members of the Obidient Movement expressing dissatisfaction over the treatment of aspirants during the primaries.
Several aspirants alleged that they were required to make substantial payments despite earlier assurances that additional fees would not be demanded beyond the purchase of expression-of-interest forms.
The discontent has already spilled into public protests.
In Enugu State, a group known as the Concerned Youths of Nsukka Local Government Area staged a peaceful demonstration, urging party leaders to avoid imposing candidates and to ensure transparency throughout the selection process.
The protesters warned that any attempt to sideline credible aspirants could damage the party’s chances in future elections.
Meanwhile, a coalition of NDC stakeholders has called on the party’s leadership to explain the prolonged delay in releasing official primary results.
The group warned that continued uncertainty risks undermining public confidence in a party that has consistently presented itself as a champion of accountability and democratic principles.
A senior NDC official from the South-East, who spoke anonymously, alleged that powerful interests within the party were attempting to overturn outcomes from the primaries and replace successful candidates through internal arrangements.
According to the official, such actions could trigger legal battles and inflict lasting damage on the party’s credibility.
The controversy has been further intensified by a public dispute between NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi and his former ally, Kenneth Okonkwo.
Okonkwo recently accused Obi and some South-East party leaders of collecting money from aspirants seeking elective positions and manipulating the nomination process.
He claimed that an aspirant provided documents and receipts supporting the allegations.
Obi has strongly denied the claims and has initiated legal proceedings against Okonkwo, demanding damages and a public retraction.
The legal confrontation has added yet another dimension to the growing crisis confronting the party.
Seeking to ease tensions, NDC National Leader Seriake Dickson has held meetings with key stakeholders, including Kwankwaso and leaders of various support groups.
Dickson acknowledged that rapid expansion often brings challenges but expressed confidence that ongoing dialogue would help restore unity.
He emphasized the importance of integrating both the Kwankwasiya Movement and the Obidient Movement into the party’s structure as preparations continue for the 2027 elections.
Political analysts, however, believe the crisis reflects deeper organizational weaknesses within the party.
Speaking on Arise Television, political analyst Sam Amadi argued that the NDC may have struggled to cope with its rapid growth and the influx of new political actors.
According to him, unresolved disputes and poor management of the primary process could weaken the party’s momentum at a crucial stage of its development.
While acknowledging that growing parties inevitably face internal challenges, observers warn that how the NDC handles the fallout from its primaries may determine whether it emerges stronger or enters the 2027 election cycle divided and distracted.
For now, the party faces a difficult balancing act: preserving unity, restoring confidence among its members and convincing Nigerians that it can offer a credible alternative to the country’s established political parties.
