NDC Primary Disputes Threaten 2027 Election Preparations as Chieftain Demands Swift Action

NDC primary disputes have sparked fresh concerns ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, with a senior party chieftain urging the leadership to settle all unresolved nomination issues before the electoral commission’s deadline.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday, South-East chieftain Maxwell Igbokwe warned that delaying the resolution of NDC primary disputes could weaken party unity, damage public confidence and affect preparations for the 2027 polls.

His appeal comes as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) prepares to close the window for political parties to submit candidates. The commission has set July 11 as the deadline for National Assembly candidates and July 17 for governorship and State House of Assembly candidates.

Igbokwe urged party leaders to act quickly. He also cautioned against imposing candidates or withholding the results of primary elections that were conducted more than two months ago.

According to him, transparency and accountability remain central to the party’s founding principles. Therefore, he argued that any attempt to sideline the outcome of lawful primaries could undermine internal democracy and weaken the party’s credibility.

Furthermore, he called on the national leadership to comply fully with the party’s constitution by submitting only the names of candidates who emerged through transparent elections.

Igbokwe also expressed concern over the House of Representatives primary for the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency in the Federal Capital Territory. He alleged that there were attempts to manipulate the nomination process, although he stressed that his intervention was aimed at protecting the party rather than creating divisions.

“Our objective is not to sow division but to protect the integrity of our party and preserve the democratic ideals that inspired millions of Nigerians,” he said.

As the submission deadline approaches, pressure is mounting on the party to resolve NDC primary disputes and present a united front before the 2027 general elections.