The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has commended the massive turnout of members and supporters during its nationwide presidential, governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly primaries held across the country.
In a statement issued on Friday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director Esq, the NDC described the exercise as successful, peaceful and a strong indication of the growing popularity and grassroots acceptance of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party noted that the direct primaries, which commenced on Thursday, May 28 and concluded on Friday, May 29, recorded impressive participation from party faithful in several states despite initial logistical challenges caused by the Eid-el-Kabir holidays and transportation difficulties across the country.
According to the statement, members and supporters trooped out in large numbers to participate in the exercise, while reports from various states indicated that the voting and affirmation processes were orderly, transparent and well coordinated.
The statement further disclosed that officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as well as security agencies including the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS), monitored the exercise in several locations to ensure compliance with electoral guidelines and maintain public order.
The party leadership also praised aspirants and supporters for the maturity displayed throughout the exercise, noting that the peaceful conduct of the primaries reflected the commitment of members to democratic participation and internal party cohesion.
The NDC said many observers and supporters commended the party for introducing a unique process that allowed aspirants to participate in the primaries before purchasing nomination forms, describing the initiative as a major innovation aimed at deepening internal democracy and broadening political participation.
Under the arrangement, only successful candidates who emerge from the primaries will be required to purchase nomination forms.
“The atmosphere at many voting centres was festive, with chants, solidarity songs and jubilant supporters expressing confidence in the vision and leadership of the party,” the statement added.
The party described the successful conduct of the primaries as another milestone in the steady growth of the NDC as a formidable national political movement committed to credible leadership, democratic participation and national renewal.
It added that the National Working Committee (NWC) was currently collating results from across the states and would make official announcements from the party’s national headquarters upon completion of the process.
The NDC maintained that the large turnout witnessed during the primaries reflected increasing public interest in the party and would further strengthen its momentum ahead of future electoral contests.
