NDC Primaries: “Only Abuja Can Speak” as Party Battles Chaos, Delays and Rising Tension Ahead of May 29

NDC Primaries have moved to the center of national political attention after the Nigeria Democratic Congress reaffirmed that its nationwide presidential, governorship, National Assembly, and State Assembly primaries will proceed on May 29 despite widespread transportation disruptions linked to the Eid-el-Kabir holidays. While the party leadership publicly projects confidence and stability, the unusual emphasis on centralized authority, security coordination, and warnings against unauthorized activities has triggered growing speculation about internal tensions ahead of the crucial exercise.

The announcement came after many aspirants and members of screening committees reportedly became stranded in Abuja due to unavailable flights and disrupted interstate transportation following the holiday period. In response, the NDC adjusted its operational schedule, dedicating May 28 to consultations, documentation, and coordination with the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies before the nationwide primaries commence.

NDC Says Only National Headquarters Can Announce Primary Results

The NDC leadership, led by national chairman Moses Cleopas and national secretary Barr. Ikenna Enekweizu, stressed that no state chapter, electoral team, or unofficial group has the authority to independently announce any primary result. According to the party, all results must be collated and transmitted to the National Headquarters, where the National Working Committee will officially declare outcomes.

That directive has become one of the most discussed aspects of the NDC Primaries. In Nigeria’s political culture, internal party contests often produce rival declarations, parallel executives, and prolonged legal disputes. Political observers say the party’s decision to centralize announcements appears designed to prevent confusion, suppress unauthorized claims of victory, and maintain tighter control over a process expected to attract fierce competition across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The party also issued a stern warning that activities outside officially approved programs scheduled for May 28 would be considered unauthorized and illegal. It clarified that agencies such as the police, DSS, and INEC are not expected to interfere in the party’s internal consultations beyond official documentation and coordination procedures. At the same time, the NDC reiterated its “zero tolerance” policy toward violence, disorderly conduct, and hooliganism during the primaries.

Eid Flight Delays Leave NDC Aspirants Stranded in Abuja

The developments surrounding the NDC Primaries reflect broader realities within Nigeria’s political system, where internal party contests are frequently more contentious than the general elections themselves. Across major political parties in recent election cycles, disputes over delegate lists, result announcements, zoning arrangements, and candidate substitutions have often resulted in courtroom battles lasting months after primaries conclude.

Analysts note that the Eid-related disruptions may have intensified existing anxieties within the party. With aspirants stranded in Abuja and last-minute logistics threatening schedules, the atmosphere around the primaries has become increasingly tense. Hotels, airports, and meeting venues in the capital reportedly transformed into emergency consultation centers as aspirants and political stakeholders sought clarity on schedules and delegate coordination.

The NDC, however, insists that the composition of its electoral committees demonstrates its commitment to transparency and credibility ahead of the 2027 general elections. Party officials have urged members to cooperate fully with the committees to ensure a peaceful process capable of strengthening public confidence in the party’s internal democracy.

For many Nigerians, the outcome of the NDC Primaries may offer an early indication of how prepared political parties are for the high-stakes 2027 elections. While the party leadership continues to project order and discipline, the coming days will test whether centralized control and repeated peace warnings can successfully contain the intense ambitions, rivalries, and political pressures already building beneath the surface. OGM News Nigeria will continue monitoring developments as the nationwide exercise unfolds.