Prominent stakeholders of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Delta South have expressed concern over the continued delay in the official announcement of the results of the party’s recently concluded primary elections, urging the leadership to act swiftly in the interest of transparency and accountability.
The stakeholders, under the platform of Advocates for Transparency, Accountability and Democratic Participation, said the delay is generating anxiety among party members, delegates and supporters who participated in the exercise.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Ozoro and signed by the group’s coordinator, Dr. Benedict Ferife, the stakeholders called on the party leadership, including Seriake Dickson, to ensure that the outcome of the primaries is released without further delay.
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According to the statement, the NDC was founded on principles of transparency, accountability, internal democracy and a commitment to offering Nigerians a credible political alternative.
“The NDC emerged with a promise of transparency, accountability, internal democracy, and a genuine departure from the political practices that have weakened public confidence in our democratic institutions. It is this promise that has attracted the support, hope, and commitment of many Nigerians seeking a new political direction,” the statement read.
The group noted that while administrative and verification procedures may be necessary following the conduct of the primaries, members and supporters deserve timely communication from the party leadership.
“While we recognize that verification and administrative procedures may be necessary, transparency demands that the party keeps its members and supporters adequately informed. Silence and prolonged delays, however unintended, can create uncertainty and fuel speculation, thereby undermining confidence in an otherwise credible process,” the stakeholders stated.
They stressed that delegates who participated in the elections and party members across the country deserved clarity regarding the outcome of the process.
“The delegates who cast their votes deserve to know the outcome of the process. Party members deserve clarity. Nigerians who have invested hope in the NDC deserve evidence that the party remains committed to the democratic principles it has consistently advocated,” the statement added.
The stakeholders further urged the party’s national leadership to provide a clear explanation for the delay and reassure members and the wider public that the integrity of the electoral process remains intact.
They maintained that their appeal was not intended to question the credibility of the primaries but rather to encourage openness and effective communication.
“This appeal is not intended to question the integrity of the primary election. Rather, it is a call for openness, prompt communication, and reassurance to the thousands of members and supporters who participated in and closely followed the exercise,” the statement said.
Calling for swift action, the stakeholders argued that the party now has an opportunity to reinforce public confidence by demonstrating the democratic values it has consistently championed.
“Democracy flourishes when the people are informed. Confidence grows when institutions are transparent. Trust is strengthened when leaders communicate openly. The delegates have voted. The members are waiting. The nation is watching,” the group stated.
They urged the NDC leadership to act decisively and uphold the standards of transparency and democratic accountability that have helped position the party as a credible force in Nigeria’s political landscape.
