The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is set to ratify Peter Obi as its presidential candidate today (Friday) during the party’s nationwide primaries, following his emergence as the party’s sole aspirant for the ticket.
The NDC also stated that governorship, National Assembly, and state Houses of Assembly candidates would also emerge across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, despite logistical disruptions caused by the Eid-el-Kabir holidays.
Moses Cleopas, NDC National Chairman, disclosed the information in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, adding that transportation challenges and flight unavailability delayed some preparatory activities after the screening exercise in the FCT.
According to the statement released by the party, May 28 (Thursday) was for arrivals, documentation with the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies, consultative meetings, and other preparatory activities ahead of the primaries.
The national chairman stated that party teams dispatched to the states were also expected to use the day to meet with stakeholders, elders, and hopefuls.
Cleopas, on the other hand, warned that no state institution or security agency, including the police, Department of State Service, and INEC, is anticipated to take part in any of the May 28 activities.
It also said that any actions taken outside of the established guidelines will be considered illegal and unauthorized.
He said, “The primaries are still scheduled to be held nationwide on May 29, 2026, in keeping with the original May 28 and 29 timetable.
“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.”
Cleopas outlined the May 29 election sequence: presidential affirmation, National Assembly primaries or affirmations, state Assembly primaries or affirmations, and governorship primaries or affirmations.
The party also mandated that all state results be collated and sent to the national headquarters for announcement 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 added.
The NDC chair also urged members and aspirants to maintain peace and order throughout the exercise, emphasizing that the party would not tolerate violence, disorderly conduct, or hooliganism during the primaries.
