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The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has reaffirmed that its nationwide Presidential, National Assembly, and State Assembly primaries will proceed on May 29, 2026, despite disruptions triggered by the Eid-el-Kabir holidays and transportation challenges across the country.
The party, however, introduced fresh operational adjustments aimed at easing logistical pressures and ensuring a coordinated exercise nationwide.
In a statement issued by the National Chairman, Barr. Ikenna Alex-Morgan Enekweizu, the party explained that the original timetable of May 28 and 29 remains valid, but activities slated for May 28 would now focus largely on arrivals, consultations and documentation ahead of the main primaries.
The development followed transportation difficulties linked to the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations and accompanying public holidays, which reportedly left several aspirants, screening officials and party stakeholders stranded in Abuja after the screening exercise.
According to the statement, “However, in view of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations and the resulting public holidays, major transportation and logistical challenges have arisen, including the non-availability of flights. Consequently, many aspirants who were in Abuja for the screening exercise, as well as members of the screening team, are currently stranded in Abuja.”
The party disclosed that May 28 would now be devoted to documentation processes involving the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), interactions with security agencies, stakeholder consultations and other preparatory engagements across the states.
“The teams will use May 28 to also hold meetings with stakeholders, party elders, as well as aspirants in their respective states,” the statement added.
The NDC further cautioned that no security agency or government institution was permitted to interfere in internal activities scheduled 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 unauthorised and deemed illegal,” the statement read.
The party also outlined the sequence for the May 29 primaries, beginning with the Presidential affirmation process, followed by National Assembly primaries and affirmations, State Assembly contests and finally governorship primaries.
According to the party leadership, all collated results from the states would be transmitted directly to the national headquarters for processing and formal declaration by the National Working Committee.
“The respective teams will collate and process all results and forward them to the National Headquarters, where the National Working Committee will announce the results.
“No state executive or team has the mandate to announce any results,” the statement stressed.
The NDC used the opportunity to appeal for calm and discipline among aspirants and party supporters, warning that acts capable of undermining the credibility of the process would not be tolerated.
“We call for understanding and urge all participants to conduct themselves responsibly, as the party has zero tolerance for violence, disorderly conduct, and hooliganism,” the party stated.