The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has released a revised schedule for its upcoming primary elections, citing challenges posed by the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations. In a statement jointly signed by National Chairman Senator Moses Cleopas and National Secretary Barr. Ikenna Alex-Morgan Enekweizu, the party confirmed that primaries for presidential, national assembly, governorship, and state assembly positions will now hold on May 29, 2026, across the country.
Originally planned for May 28 and 29, the adjustment became necessary due to widespread transportation and logistical hurdles, including limited flight availability, caused by the Eid holiday and associated public holidays. Many aspirants and screening committee members who had gathered in Abuja for the screening process are now stranded, prompting the party to restructure the event timeline.
Under the new arrangement, May 28 will be dedicated to arrivals, documentation with INEC and security agencies, consultative meetings, and other preparatory activities. The actual primaries will take place on May 29. The party also noted that on May 28, teams will hold stakeholder meetings with party elders and aspirants in their respective states.
Importantly, the NDC emphasized that no state agencies, including the Police, INEC, and DSS, are authorized to participate in the events scheduled for May 28. Any activities outside the established guidelines will be deemed unauthorized and illegal.
The procedures for the May 29 primaries include presidential affirmation, national assembly primaries/affirmation, state assembly primaries/affirmation, and governorship primaries/affirmation. Results will be compiled by respective teams and forwarded to the National Headquarters, where the National Working Committee will make official announcements. The party stressed that no state executive or team is permitted to declare any results.
“We appeal for understanding and encourage all participants to behave responsibly, as the party maintains a strict policy against violence, disorderly conduct, and hooliganism,” the statement concluded.