The NDC further cautioned state executives and party teams against announcing results independently.
By Deborah Hassan
365Daily – The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) says its Presidential, National Assembly, Governorship and State Assembly primaries will still hold nationwide on May 29 despite logistical disruptions caused by the Eid-el-Kabir holidays.
This was contained in a statement signed by its National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, and National Secretary, Barr. Ikenna Alex-Morgan Enekweizu on Thursday.
According to the NDC, transportation challenges, especially the shortage of available flights during the holiday period, left many aspirants and members of the screening committee stranded in Abuja after the screening exercise.
The party said the development necessitated adjustments to activities earlier scheduled for May 28.
“May 28 should be used for arrivals, documentation with INEC and security agencies, consultative meetings, and other preparations, while the actual primaries will now hold on May 29,” the statement said.
The NDC added that its teams would use Thursday to meet with stakeholders, party elders and aspirants across the states ahead of the primaries.
However, it warned that security agencies and electoral officials were not expected to participate in any meetings or programmes slated for May 28.
“No agencies of the state, viz: Police, INEC, DSS, etc., are to play any role in the programmes and meetings of May 28. Any activities carried out outside these guidelines would be unauthorized and deemed illegal,” the statement added.
The party also outlined the order of the primaries to include presidential affirmation, National Assembly primaries and affirmations, State Assembly primaries and affirmations, as well as governorship primaries.
It said all results would be collated by designated teams and forwarded to the National Headquarters, where the National Working Committee (NWC) would officially announce the outcomes.
The NDC further cautioned state executives and party teams against announcing results independently.
While calling for understanding from party members and aspirants, the leadership reiterated its “zero tolerance for violence, disorderly conduct, and hooliganism” during the exercise.