The Nigeria Democratic Congress has constituted a 20-member National Selection Committee to supervise the screening and selection of aspirants seeking the party’s governorship and National Assembly tickets ahead of the 2026 elections.
The development was disclosed in a statement released on Friday in Abuja by the party’s National Secretary, Ikenna Enekweizu.
According to Enekweizu, the committee was approved by the party’s National Leader following recommendations made by the National Working Committee as part of preparations for the upcoming primary elections.
He explained that the committee would play a central role in reviewing reports submitted by the National Screening Committee and making final decisions regarding aspirants seeking clearance to participate in the primaries.
“The committee is mandated to review, scrutinise, and consider the reports and recommendations of the National Screening Committee, and to take appropriate decisions on the screening outcomes of all aspirants.
“This process is designed to promote consensus-building and ensure the emergence of widely acceptable candidates through a free, fair, and credible mechanism,” he stated.
The party named Moses Cleopas as chairman of the committee, while Enekweizu will serve as secretary.
Other members of the committee include Babatunde Ali, Sidi Bomi, Mohammed Zuwo, Dr Danlami Arabs, Fredrick Owotorufa, Teddy Obey, Barnabas J. Ejisi, Adedayo Ekong, Yunusa Tanko, Moses Paul, Buba Galadima, Aminu Abdulsalam, Danladi Abdulhamid, Udenta Udenta, Reuben Egwuaba, Dudu Manuga, Dr Grace Onyekusiobi and Shittu Mohammed.
The NDC further explained that only aspirants who successfully pass through the screening process and obtain clearance from the National Selection Committee would be permitted to purchase nomination forms.
Enekweizu stated that the arrangement was aimed at encouraging consensus among aspirants while also strengthening internal unity within the party ahead of the elections.
According to him, where consensus efforts fail, the party would proceed with direct primaries scheduled to hold between May 28 and May 30 in accordance with the party’s electoral guidelines.
The statement reiterated that the process was structured to ensure fairness, transparency and credibility throughout the party’s candidate selection exercise.
“This process is designed to promote consensus-building and ensure the emergence of widely acceptable candidates through a free, fair, and credible mechanism,” the statement added.
The latest move comes as political parties continue preparations for governorship and legislative elections, with internal screening and primary processes expected to shape the political landscape ahead of the next electoral cycle.
What you should know
Political parties in Nigeria often establish screening and selection committees ahead of primary elections to assess aspirants’ eligibility, background and political viability.
The NDC’s latest move signals an effort to strengthen internal structures and avoid disputes that commonly arise after party primaries.
Consensus candidacy is frequently encouraged within Nigerian political parties as a way of reducing internal conflict and litigation, although disagreements still occur when aspirants reject negotiated outcomes.
The inclusion of notable political figures such as Buba Galadima and Yunusa Tanko in the committee may also reflect the party’s strategy to build credibility and broaden its national influence ahead of future elections.
