The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, is rolling out the red carpet for all aspirants. No one got knocked out in the screening round, and the party says everyone who bought an Expression of Interest Form is good to go for the primary elections across the country.
The National Executive Committee, NEC, announced that only successful candidates from the primary eldctions will move to the next step. Those winners will be allowed to buy and submit Nomination Forms. For now, there will be no sale of Nomination Forms until after the primary elections.
State Chairmen have their marching orders. They are to set up Local Organising Committees to work with Electoral Committees and run the primaries in every local government area. Chairmen are also expected to coordinate with INEC EPIMS officials, electoral officers, and other stakeholders to keep things smooth.
Security is top of the list. The party directed State Chairmen to put proper arrangements in place to ensure the process is peaceful and credible.
Meetings are happening today. State Chairmen will meet with Electoral Committees, State Executives, major stakeholders, and all aspirants to plan for a hitch-free primary tomorrow.
When the votes are counted, only the national office will announce the results.
The statement signed by Osa Director Esq., National Publicity Secretary, is reproduced in extenso here under:
- PRESS STATEMENT
Following the conclusion of the screening exercise for aspirants seeking elective positions under our great party, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), the National Executive Committee (NEC) has reached the following resolutions:
1. All aspirants have been cleared to participate in the party primaries across the country. Consequently, no aspirant has been disqualified.
2. Every aspirant who purchased an Expression of Interest Form is advised to proceed to their respective states and constituencies to participate in the primaries.
3. The NEC also resolved that there shall be no sale of Nomination Forms until after the primaries. Only aspirants who emerge successful from the primaries will be allowed to purchase, complete, and submit Nomination Forms.
4. State Chairmen are directed to establish Local Organising Committees (LOCs) for the primaries in their respective states. These committees will assist the Electoral Committees in conducting the primaries across all local government areas.
5. Consequently, all State Chairmen are to liaise with INEC EPIMS officials, electoral officers, and relevant stakeholders in the conduct of the primaries.
6. The security of lives and property remains paramount. Therefore, State Chairmen are required to make adequate security arrangements to ensure a peaceful and credible process in their various states.
7. State Chairmen are also directed to convene meetings today with the Electoral Committees, State Executives, major stakeholders, and all aspirants to strategise for a hitch-free and inclusive primary election tomorrow.
8. The announcement of results shall be made exclusively by the national office. - Signed:
Osa Director Esq.
National Publicity Secretary
