The NDC direct primaries policy has been formally adopted by the National Democratic Congress (NDC), following the approval of its screening committee report and the party’s decision to conduct State Assembly nominations through a direct voting system. The decision forms part of preparations for upcoming party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The leadership of the NDC confirmed that State Assembly candidates will now emerge through direct primaries conducted at the constituency level. The party stated that the new arrangement is designed to broaden participation among registered members and strengthen internal democratic processes.
According to the party’s official communication, other categories of elections within the party structure will follow different formats. House of Representatives, Senate, governorship, and presidential primaries will be conducted at designated local government headquarters. The adoption of NDC direct primaries marks a significant shift in how the party selects its candidates for legislative positions at the state level, aligning with broader internal reforms ahead of the next general election cycle.
Under the newly approved guidelines, direct primaries for State Assembly positions will involve registered party members voting directly for their preferred aspirants at the constituency level. Party officials will oversee the process to ensure compliance with internal regulations.
The party also clarified that results from all primary exercises will be compiled and transmitted to the National Secretariat for final collation and announcement by the Selection Committee and the National Executive Committee. The introduction of NDC direct primaries is expected to increase grassroots participation in candidate selection while reinforcing transparency in internal party democracy.
The decision comes as political parties across Nigeria continue to restructure internal processes ahead of the 2027 general elections. Party primaries are widely regarded as a critical stage in determining candidates who will represent parties at various levels of government.
Direct primary systems, where adopted, allow all registered members to vote in selecting candidates rather than relying solely on delegates or indirect voting systems. This approach is often promoted as a means of expanding inclusivity within party structures. With the adoption of NDC direct primaries, attention now shifts to how the party will implement the new guidelines across its constituencies and ensure uniform compliance nationwide.
Political observers say the adoption of direct primaries could reshape internal competition within the NDC, particularly at the state assembly level where local influence and grassroots mobilisation play a major role. The system is expected to increase political engagement among party members, but it may also intensify competition among aspirants seeking to secure nomination tickets.
Analysts note that while direct primaries are often seen as more democratic, they require strong logistical coordination and voter education to ensure credibility and smooth execution. The implementation of NDC direct primaries will therefore be closely watched as parties refine strategies for internal elections ahead of 2027.
