The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has warned aspirants and party supporters against violence, intimidation and threats during its forthcoming primaries as it unveiled guidelines and modalities for the nationwide exercise.
The party said strict disciplinary measures would be imposed on any individual or group found engaging in acts capable of undermining the credibility and peaceful conduct of the primaries.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the party said the decision followed the adoption of the report of the Screening Committee chaired by former Ebonyi State Governor, Sam Egwu.
The statement said the meeting, attended by the party’s National Chairman, presidential aspirant Peter Obi and other senior officials, reviewed the outcome of the screening exercise and approved modalities for the primaries.
“The NDC maintains a zero-tolerance stance on violence, intimidation, threats and disorderly conduct,” the party stated.
It added: “Strict disciplinary measures will be taken against any individual or group found engaging in acts capable of undermining the credibility and peaceful conduct of the primaries.”
The party disclosed that, following consultations and in consideration of the limited time available, all aspirants who purchased Expression of Interest forms would be allowed to participate in the primaries within their constituencies.
According to the statement, successful aspirants would proceed to the party’s National Secretariat for documentation, payment of nomination fees and completion of other nomination formalities.
The NDC also announced the deployment of primary election teams made up of senior officials and experienced administrators to all states of the federation to supervise the exercise in collaboration with local stakeholders and party leaders.
It explained that State Assembly primaries would be conducted through direct primaries at the constituency level, while affirmations and primaries for the House of Representatives, Senate, governorship and presidential positions would hold at various local government headquarters.
“Final results from the exercises will be announced at the party’s National Secretariat by the Selection Committee and the National Executive Committee (NEC),” the statement added.
The party encouraged consensus arrangements among aspirants “wherever possible in the overall interest of party unity, stability and democratic consolidation.”
The NDC further reiterated its commitment to inclusiveness, especially the participation of women and youths in the electoral process.
The statement urged delegates and party officials to pay close attention to aspirants with “proven electoral value and grassroots acceptance.”
The party also disclosed that an Appeal Panel would be inaugurated to address complaints and grievances arising from the exercise.
While acknowledging that time constraints made it impossible to deploy its planned electronic voting and collation system, the NDC assured members that future primaries would be fully digitised.
“Future party primaries will be fully digitised in line with the party’s commitment to transparency, accountability, efficiency and modern democratic practices,” it stated.
The party called on aspirants, supporters, security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible and transparent primaries across the federation.
