By Harry Awurumibe, Editor, Abuja Bureau
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has moved to strengthen its internal democratic processes with the constitution of a 20-member National Selection Committee to oversee the screening and selection of candidates for the upcoming governorship and National Assembly primaries.
In a press release issued by the party’s National Secretary, Barr. Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, the decision was taken by the party’s National Leader, acting on the recommendation of the National Working Committee (NWC). The committee is tasked with reviewing the reports of the National Screening Committee and making final determinations on the suitability of all aspirants.
Sen. Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe has been named Chairman of the committee, while Barr. Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu will serve as Secretary. Other members include Comrade Babatunde Ali, Alhaji Sidi Abdul Bomi, Dr. Danlami Arabs, Pastor Dr. (Mrs.) Adedayo Ekong, Buba Galadima, Prof. Udenta Udenta, and Dr. Grace N. Onyekusiobi, among others.
According to the party, only aspirants cleared by both the National Screening Committee and the National Selection Committee will be authorized to purchase nomination forms. The NDC noted that where consensus cannot be reached among aspirants, direct primaries will be conducted from May 28 to May 30, 2026.
The committee is scheduled to be inaugurated on Monday, May 25, 2026, with an inaugural meeting to follow immediately.
The NDC called for the understanding and cooperation of all aspirants, stakeholders, and party members, citing tight timelines. The party reaffirmed its commitment to a transparent, credible, and inclusive selection process aimed at building consensus and positioning the party for electoral success.
Full text of the NDC statement:
PRESS STATEMENT
NIGERIA DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS (NDC) CONSTITUTES NATIONAL SELECTION COMMITTEE FOR GOVERNORSHIP AND NATIONAL ASSEMBLY PRIMARIES
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), in furtherance of its commitment to transparency, internal democracy, and credible candidate selection, has approved the constitution of a National Selection Committee.
This decision was taken by the National Leader of the Party, acting on the recommendation of the National Working Committee (NWC), as part of ongoing preparations for the screening and selection process ahead of the forthcoming Governorship and National Assembly primaries.
The Committee is mandated to review, scrutinize, and consider the reports and recommendations of the National Screening Committee, and to take appropriate decisions on the screening outcomes of all aspirants.
MEMBERSHIP OF THE NATIONAL SELECTION COMMITTEE
- Sen. Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe – Chairman
- Comrade Babatunde Ali – Member
- Alhaji Sidi Abdul Bomi – Member
- Alhaji Mohammed Bakin Zuwo – Member
- Dr. Danlami Arabs – Member
- Barr. Fredrick E. Owotorufa – Member
- Chief Teddy Obey – Member
- Chief Barnabas J. Ejisi – Member
- Pastor Dr. (Mrs.) Adedayo Ekong – Member
- Yenusa Tanko – Member
- Dr. Moses Paul – Member
- Buba Galadima – Member
- H.E. Aminu Abdulsalam – Member
- Danladi Abdulhamid – Member
- Prof. Udenta Udenta – Member
- Barr. Reuben Egwuaba – Member
- Dudu Mamman Manuga – Member
- Dr. Grace N. Onyekusiobi – Member
- Alhaji Shittu Mohammed – Member
- Barr. Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu – Secretary
The Party calls for the understanding, cooperation, and patience of all aspirants, stakeholders, leaders, and members, noting the tight timelines within which these critical tasks must be concluded. This process is designed to promote consensus-building and ensure the emergence of widely acceptable candidates through a free, fair, and credible mechanism.
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In line with the Party’s reform-driven approach to internal democracy, only aspirants who have been duly screened by the National Screening Committee and cleared by the National Selection Committee shall be authorized to purchase nomination forms.
Where consensus is not achieved among aspirants, the Party will proceed to conduct direct primaries scheduled to hold from 28th to 30th May, 2026, in accordance with established guidelines.
The National Selection Committee will be formally inaugurated on Monday, 25th May, 2026, and is expected to hold its inaugural meeting immediately thereafter.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress reaffirms its commitment to a transparent, credible, and inclusive selection process that strengthens party unity and positions the Party for electoral success.
