Preparations that began yesterday have set the stage for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) primary elections taking place across the country today, with presidential candidate affirmation scheduled for later today and tomorrow.
In a message to all party members, the NDC National Chairman, Senator Seriake Dickson, has called for understanding, cooperation, and mutual respect among aspirants and stakeholders during this crucial exercise.
“We have done our best in creating opportunities for stakeholders and aspirants to meet in various states to iron out issues,” the chairman said. “We are aware that periods of primary elections are often filled with tensions and clashes of interest. We therefore call for understanding and mutual respect. Aspirants and stakeholders should put the party’s overall interests above their personal interests.
”The chairman emphasised that no candidate has been endorsed by him anywhere in the country, including his home state. He stressed that all aspirants enjoy equal protection and a level playing field.
“I have not endorsed anyone, even in my home state. The same principle applies across the country,” he stated. “I know that in some states the contest is fiercer than in others, but even in those circumstances, I urge everyone to put the interest of our party first.
”Describing the NDC as a young party barely three to four months old, the chairman highlighted the tremendous sacrifices made by the leadership to meet tight INEC deadlines.
“Some of us, especially members of the leadership, have hardly had proper sleep since January. We have worked tirelessly every day, from morning till night, and under very difficult circumstances,” he noted. “But God has been merciful, and Nigerians have been supportive.
”He appealed to all aspirants to reciprocate these sacrifices by prioritising the party and Nigeria’s democracy.
“There are no endorsed candidates anywhere. We enjoin everyone to go out and participate freely in the primaries,” the chairman declared. “I call for free and fair elections. There should be respect for, and protection of, women, youths and the disabled during the primaries.
”The chairman advised aspirants who may be dissatisfied with outcomes to accept decisions in good faith or pursue the party’s appeal process. He also announced that the party will set up an Appeal Committee to address any grievances or complaints arising from the primaries.
He described the NDC as a “miracle baby,” crediting the hard work and dedication of its members for achieving so much in such a short time.
“People should therefore protect and respect the party, even if the outcome does not favour them, because there is always another day,” he said.
In a significant announcement, the chairman revealed that this will be the first and last manually conducted primaries in the NDC. Future exercises will utilise electronic voting to minimise irregularities and complaints.
Party leaders have urged all members to bear any inconveniences during the process with understanding, as the NDC continues to build a strong foundation for Nigeria’s democracy.