The Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) has clarified that its Presidential, National Assembly, Governorship, and State Assembly primaries will still hold nationwide on May 29 despite adjustments as a result of the Eid-el-Kabir holidays.
The party disclosed that the decision was necessitated due to transportation and logistical problems caused by the festive season, including airline cancellations, which left many aspirants and members of the screening committee stranded in Abuja following the screening session.
Senator Moses Cleopas, NDC National Chairman, explained in an Abuja statement on Wednesday that May 28 would now be dedicated to arrivals, documentation with the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies, consultative meetings, and other preparatory activities ahead of the primaries.
According to him, party teams assigned to the states will also 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, DSS, 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.”
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Cleopas defined the May 29 exercises as follows: presidential affirmation, National Assembly primaries or affirmations, State Assembly primaries or affirmations, and governorship primaries or affirmations.
The party also requested that all state results be compiled and forwarded to the party’s 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 party’s chairman also appealed to members and aspirants to remain peaceful and orderly throughout the exercise, stressing that the party would not tolerate violence, disorderly conduct, or hooliganism during the primaries.
