The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, has announced that only aspirants who emerge successful in the party’s primary elections will proceed to pay nomination fees and complete the documentation process.
Dickson disclosed this in a statement shared on his verified X handle on Wednesday following a joint meeting involving top officials of the party.
According to the former Bayelsa State governor, the decision was reached at a meeting attended by the NDC National Chairman, Cleopas Moses, the party’s presidential aspirant, Peter Obi, members of the National Working Committee (NWC), as well as members of the party’s selection committee.
He explained that, in view of time constraints and the need to ensure inclusiveness, all aspirants who purchased expression of interest forms would be allowed to participate in the primaries across their respective constituencies.
“Following a briefing at the joint meeting of the Selection Committee and the Screening Committee, and in view of the constraints of time, it was decided that all those who purchased Expression of Interest Forms would be allowed to participate in the primaries in their various constituencies,” Dickson stated.
“Only successful candidates will report to the party secretariat for documentation and, in the process, pay for nomination forms and complete other necessary forms,” he added.
Dickson further disclosed that the party had constituted teams made up of senior officials who have been deployed to all states of the federation to supervise the conduct of the primaries with the support of local stakeholders and party leaders.
“The teams for the primaries have been selected, comprising senior officials of the party, and have been deployed to every state to conduct the exercise with the support of stakeholders and local leaders. We wish them success in this important assignment,” the statement read.
The serving Bayelsa senator also noted that the NDC remains committed to youth and women participation in politics, while urging officials conducting the primaries to prioritise aspirants with strong electoral value and the capacity to win elections.
He announced that the primaries would hold on May 28 and 29, adding that aspirants are expected to present their expression of interest forms to participate in the exercise.
Dickson also revealed that the party had inaugurated an appeal panel to address complaints that may arise from the conduct of the primaries.
According to him, direct primaries for State House of Assembly positions would be conducted at constituency level, while affirmations for House of Representatives, Senate, governorship and presidential positions would take place at local government headquarters.
SEE Full Details ➜