The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has intensified preparations for the 2027 general elections, approving plans to introduce electronic voting in its internal elections while launching a nationwide reconciliation and grassroots mobilization campaign aimed at consolidating party unity after its recently concluded primaries.

The resolutions were reached at the party’s second National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, attended by presidential candidate Peter Obi, his running mate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, members of the National Working Committee, state chairmen and other party stakeholders from across the country.

Speaking after the meeting, former Bayelsa State Governor and party leader, Seriake Dickson, said the gathering provided an opportunity to review the party’s progress, assess the outcome of its nationwide primaries and chart a roadmap towards the 2027 elections.

According to him, the NEC ratified and endorsed the results of the primary elections conducted across the federation and commended electoral committees, screening panels, party officials, aspirants and supporters for ensuring a successful exercise.

Dickson described the achievements of the party as remarkable for an organisation that is still relatively young, noting that the NDC had demonstrated its capacity to conduct nationwide political activities and emerge stronger despite inevitable challenges.

The party acknowledged that disagreements and disputes arose in some locations during the primaries but emphasized that reconciliation and stakeholder engagement would now become a major priority.

To address lingering grievances, the NEC resolved to immediately commence consultations with aggrieved aspirants, party leaders and supporters, stressing that no member would be left behind in the party’s journey towards 2027.

“We reaffirmed our commitment to internal democracy, transparency, fairness and inclusion while intensifying reconciliation efforts across the country,” Dickson said.

One of the major decisions taken by the NEC was the approval of a framework for electronic voting in future congresses and primary elections. Party leaders argued that technology-driven processes would enhance transparency, boost participation and strengthen confidence in internal democratic mechanisms.

The committee also directed the expansion of the party’s digital membership registration platform and the strengthening of its data management systems as part of broader institutional reforms.

In addition, the NEC approved an aggressive grassroots mobilization strategy designed to expand membership and strengthen party structures at ward, local government, state, zonal and national levels.

The party leadership believes that a strong grassroots presence will be critical to its efforts to challenge established political forces in the next general election.

The meeting also reviewed developments in the country’s electoral environment, including aspects of the Electoral Act and guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Party leaders reiterated their commitment to pursuing legal and constitutional remedies whenever necessary to protect electoral fairness, democratic participation and a level playing field for all political actors.

Dickson used the occasion to commend Obi and Kwankwaso for their leadership and commitment throughout the party’s nomination processes, describing their participation as a source of inspiration for party members nationwide.

He also thanked governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly aspirants, party officials and supporters who travelled from different parts of the country to participate in the primaries and NEC meeting.

According to him, the atmosphere at the meeting reflected growing optimism within the party and a shared determination to build what he described as a credible national political movement committed to democratic renewal, good governance and national development.

With its primaries concluded and presidential ticket settled, the NDC appears to be shifting its attention from internal contests to the larger task of positioning itself as a major contender in the 2027 electoral race. (The Guardian)

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