The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has constituted a National Selection Committee to oversee the screening and selection of aspirants ahead of its governorship and National Assembly primaries.
In a statement issued by the party’s National Secretary, Ikenna Enekweizu, the party said, the National Leader, Seriake Dickson, approved the decision on the recommendation of the National Working Committee (NWC), as part of preparations for the forthcoming primaries.
According to the statement, the committee will review and scrutinise reports and recommendations submitted by the National Screening Committee and take decisions on the screening outcomes of aspirants.
The National Chairman, Cleopas Zuwoghe, chairs the 20-member committee, while Enekweizu will serve as secretary.
Other members of the committee are Comrade Babatunde Ali, Alhaji Sidi Abdul Bomi, Alhaji Mohammed Bakin Zuwo, Dr. Danlami Arabs, Fredrick E. Owotorufa, Chief Teddy Obey, Chief Barnabas J. Ejisi, Pastor Dr. (Mrs.) Adedayo Ekong and Yenusa Tanko.
Also in the committee are Dr. Moses Paul, Buba Galadima, H.E. Aminu Abdulsalam, Danladi Abdulhamid, Prof. Udenta Udenta, Reuben Egwuaba, Dudu Mamman Manuga, Dr. Grace N. Onyekusiobi and Alhaji Shittu Mohammed.
The party appealed to aspirants, stakeholders and members to cooperate with the committee, citing the limited time available to complete the exercise.
It said the process was aimed at promoting consensus-building and ensuring the emergence of widely acceptable candidates through a “free, fair and credible mechanism.”
The NDC also stated that only aspirants screened and cleared by both the National Screening Committee and the National Selection Committee would be eligible to purchase nomination forms, adding that where consensus fails among aspirants, direct primaries would be conducted between May 28 and 30, 2026, in line with party guidelines.
According to the statement, the National Selection Committee will be inaugurated on May 25, 2026, after which it is expected to commence work immediately.
The party reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, inclusiveness and internal democracy in its candidate selection process ahead of the elections.
Credit: The Sun