The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has clarified that its presidential, National Assembly, governorship, and State Assembly primaries will now hold nationwide on May 29, 2026, following logistical challenges occasioned by the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations and public holidays.

In a statement jointly signed by the party’s National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, and National Secretary, Barr. Ikenna Alex-Morgan Enekweizu, on Thursday in Abuja, the party said the adjustment became necessary due to transportation difficulties, including the unavailability of flights, which left many aspirants and members of the screening committee stranded in Abuja after the screening exercise.

The party explained that while the original timetable scheduled activities for May 28 and 29, the entire primaries would now effectively take place on May 29, while May 28 would be reserved for arrivals, documentation with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies, consultative meetings, and other preparatory activities.

According to the statement, various teams deployed to the states would also use May 28 to engage stakeholders, party elders, and aspirants ahead of the primaries.

The NDC stressed that no state agency, including the Police, INEC, the Department of State Services (DSS), or any other security institution, is expected to participate in the programmes and meetings scheduled for May 28.

It warned that any activity carried out outside the party’s approved guidelines would be considered unauthorized and illegal.

The party further outlined the sequence for the May 29 exercise to include presidential affirmation, National Assembly primaries and affirmations, State Assembly primaries and affirmations, as well as governorship primaries and affirmations.

It added that all results from the states would be collated and processed by designated teams before being forwarded to the party’s national headquarters, where the National Working Committee (NWC) would officially announce the outcomes.

The party also emphasized that no state executive or team has the authority to declare results independently.

While calling for understanding from members and aspirants, the NDC urged all participants to conduct themselves responsibly, reiterating that the party maintains zero tolerance for violence, disorderly conduct, and hooliganism during the exercise.