National leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, has announced that only aspirants who emerge successful in the party’s primaries will proceed to pay nomination fees and complete documentation exercises.
In a statement shared on X, Dickson said the decision was reached during a joint meeting attended by the party’s National Chairman, Cleopas Moses, presidential aspirant Peter Obi, members of the National Working Committee, and the selection committee.
According to the statement, all aspirants who purchased expression of interest forms would be allowed to participate in the primaries in their respective constituencies due to time constraints.
Dickson explained that only successful candidates would report to the party secretariat for documentation, payment of nomination fees, and completion of other required processes.
He also disclosed that teams comprising senior party officials had been deployed across the states to conduct the primaries with the support of stakeholders and local leaders.
While describing the NDC as women- and youth-friendly, Dickson urged officials overseeing the exercise to remain open, fair, and attentive to aspirants with strong electoral prospects.
The former Bayelsa State governor further announced that the primaries would hold on May 28 and 29, adding that aspirants would use their expression of interest forms to participate in the process.
He also revealed that an appeal panel had been inaugurated to address complaints arising from the primaries.
According to him, direct primaries for state assembly positions would take place at constituency level, while House of Representatives, Senate, governorship, and presidential affirmations would be conducted at local government headquarters.