The Nigeria Democratic Congress has clarified that its Presidential, National Assembly, Governorship and State Assembly primaries will still be conducted nationwide on May 29 despite adjustments made to accommodate disruptions caused by the Eid-el-Kabir holidays.
The party said the decision became necessary following transportation and logistical challenges linked to the festive season, particularly the unavailability of flights, which affected the movement of aspirants, party officials and members of various screening committees across the country.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, the National Chairman of the party, , explained that many aspirants and officials who participated in the screening exercise were unable to leave the Federal Capital Territory because of travel difficulties associated with the holiday rush.
According to him, the party leadership had therefore adjusted certain preparatory activities while retaining the original date for the actual primaries.
Cleopas stated that May 28 would now be used strictly for arrivals, consultations, documentation and other administrative processes ahead of the nationwide exercise scheduled for May 29.
He explained that party officials would spend the day engaging with the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies, elders of the party and aspirants to ensure a smooth and transparent conduct of the primaries across the federation.
“The primaries are still scheduled to be held nationwide on May 29, 2026, in keeping with the original May 28 and 29 timetable,” the statement said.
The NDC chairman further disclosed that teams already deployed to various states would use the period to strengthen coordination with stakeholders and resolve pending issues before delegates head to the polls.
According to him, the engagements are expected to include meetings with party elders, consultations with aspirants and reconciliation efforts aimed at ensuring unity and peaceful conduct during the primaries.
He noted that the party remained committed to conducting credible and orderly internal elections despite the temporary disruptions caused by the festive season.
Cleopas also issued a strong warning against any unauthorised political or institutional activity outside the approved framework for the primaries.
He stressed that no state institution or security agency, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and the Independent National Electoral Commission, was expected to participate in any of the activities scheduled for May 28.
According to the statement, any action carried out outside the officially approved guidelines would be considered illegal and unauthorised by the party leadership.
The warning, observers noted, appeared aimed at preventing confusion, interference or the spread of misinformation ahead of the primaries.
Party insiders said the leadership was determined to avoid any irregularities capable of undermining the credibility of the process or creating tension among aspirants and supporters.
The NDC has in recent weeks intensified preparations for the primaries as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general election.
The party’s presidential race, as well as contests for governorship, National Assembly and state legislative tickets, has attracted growing interest from politicians across the country.
Political analysts believe the successful conduct of the exercise will be critical to the party’s efforts to strengthen its national structure and position itself as a major contender in the forthcoming elections.
The Eid-el-Kabir period traditionally witnesses heavy movement across the country, with increased demand for flights and transportation services often resulting in delays and logistical challenges.
Several political parties and organisations have in the past adjusted activities during festive periods to accommodate the movement of members and officials.
Despite the challenges, the NDC leadership insisted that preparations remained on course and that all stakeholders should remain calm and cooperate with party officials.
Cleopas urged aspirants and delegates to adhere strictly to party guidelines and maintain peace throughout the process.
He added that the party remained committed to transparency, fairness and democratic principles in the conduct of its internal elections.
Supporters and party members in several states were already mobilising ahead of the primaries as anticipation continued to build over who would emerge as candidates for the various elective positions.
Political observers say the outcome of the primaries could significantly shape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly in states where the party is seeking to expand its influence.
The NDC leadership concluded by reaffirming its readiness to conduct a peaceful, credible and inclusive primary election process nationwide despite the temporary disruptions occasioned by the festive period.
