By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Nigeria Democratic Congress on Thursday urged its aspirants in Anambra State to avoid violence and electoral malpractice during the party primaries scheduled for Friday, May 29, in Awka. The party leadership, electoral panel members, aspirants and stakeholders attended the meeting to promote peaceful, transparent and credible elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Uzoezie Promises Level Playing Field
The Anambra State Chairman of the NDC, Ikem Uzoezie, described the party as the most viable political platform in Nigeria. He urged aspirants to maintain decorum throughout the exercise.
According to him, the primaries should remain a contest of ideas and popularity instead of conflict and division.
Uzoezie said, “The primary is a test of popularity by the aspirants and should not be turned into violence.”
He also assured all aspirants of fairness during the process. Furthermore, he encouraged party members to allow credible candidates to emerge for the overall interest of the party.
Electoral Panel Assures Transparent Process
Meanwhile, the Acting Chairman of the electoral panel, Uchenna Okogbue, stressed the need for a peaceful and credible primary election across the state.
He noted that the emergence of Peter Obi as the party’s sole presidential candidate has placed Anambra under national attention. Therefore, he urged party members to conduct themselves responsibly.
Okogbue explained that the party would adopt consensus candidacy where possible. However, the party would use the Option A4 voting system if consensus fails.
“The primaries are a call to service and not a do-or-die affair,” he stated.
In addition, he assured aspirants that the elections would take place in designated venues across the 21 local government areas of the state.
Aspirants Told to Reflect Party Values
The Secretary of the electoral panel, Chukwudi Igwe, also advised aspirants and supporters to reflect the values associated with the party’s presidential candidate.
He warned that any form of misconduct would disappoint party supporters and Nigerians expecting credible leadership from the NDC.
Top Party Leaders Attend Meeting
Several prominent party figures attended the meeting. They included Senator Victor Umeh, Senator Tony Nwoye and members of the House of Representatives such as Lilian Orogbu and Uche Okonkwo.
Others present included State Assembly members, the INEC representative Odinaka Okoroafor, State Secretary Arinze Udeze and aspirant Ebuka Onunkwor.
Primaries to Produce Candidates for 2027 Elections
The primaries will produce candidates for the State House of Assembly, House of Representatives and Senate seats ahead of the next general elections.
