The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has insisted that its nationwide presidential, governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly primaries will hold as scheduled on May 29 despite logistical disruptions caused by the Eid-el-Kabir holidays.
National Chairman of the party, , disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday.
The party said although transportation difficulties and flight disruptions had affected the movement of aspirants, screening officials and stakeholders across the country, the timetable for the primaries remained unchanged.
According to the statement, activities earlier fixed for May 28 would now focus on arrivals, consultations, documentation and stakeholder engagements ahead of the main primaries.
“Major transportation and logistical challenges have arisen, including the non-availability of flights. Consequently, many aspirants who were in Abuja for the screening exercise, as well as members of the screening team, are currently stranded in Abuja,” the statement said.
The party explained that May 28 would also be used for meetings with party elders, aspirants and stakeholders in various states, as well as documentation with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and consultations with security agencies.
The NDC, however, warned security agencies and government institutions against interfering in its internal activities.
“No agencies of the state, viz: Police, INEC, DSS, etc., are to play any role in the programmes and meetings of May 28. Any activities carried out outside these guidelines would be unauthorized and deemed illegal,” the party stated.
The party outlined the sequence of the May 29 exercise, beginning with the presidential affirmation process, followed by National Assembly primaries, State Assembly contests and governorship primaries.
It added that all results from the states would be transmitted directly to the national headquarters for collation and official declaration by the National Working Committee.
“No state executive or team has the mandate to announce any results,” the statement stressed.
The NDC also appealed to aspirants and supporters to remain peaceful and orderly throughout the exercise, warning that violence and misconduct would not be tolerated.
“We call for understanding and urge all participants to conduct themselves responsibly, as the party has zero tolerance for violence, disorderly conduct and hooliganism,” the statement added.
