The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has been diligently preparing for its forthcoming primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections, with a strong emphasis on maintaining principles of accountability, transparency, fairness, and inclusivity. Initially, the primaries for various elective positions were scheduled for May 27 and May 28. However, the party, through a statement jointly signed by its National Chairman, Moses Cleopas, and National Secretary, Ikenna Enekweizu, announced a slight adjustment, rescheduling the exercise to May 29, 2026. This alteration was necessitated by logistical challenges, including major transportation difficulties and flight unavailability, stemming from the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations and associated public holidays, which left many aspirants and screening team members stranded in Abuja. Consequently, May 28 was designated for arrivals, essential documentation with INEC and security agencies, consultative meetings, and other preparatory activities with stakeholders and party elders in their respective states.

The NDC has meticulously outlined the sequence for its nationwide primaries. The process will commence with the presidential affirmation, formally ratifying the candidacy of the party's sole presidential aspirant, Peter Obi. Following this, the National Assembly primaries, encompassing both Senate and House of Representatives positions, will be conducted. Subsequently, a similar exercise will be held for State Assembly aspirants, culminating in the primaries for governorship aspirants. Regarding locations, the party specified that State Assembly primaries are to be held within their respective constituency areas. In contrast, all other primaries, including those for presidential, governorship, and National Assembly positions, will take place at the local government level, as previously communicated by the party.

Addressing concerns regarding aspirant eligibility and countering misinformation, the NDC has taken a firm stance. The Screening and Selection Committees, through a statement by National Publicity Secretary Osa Director Esq., unequivocally affirmed that all aspirants who successfully completed the screening process have been duly cleared and are thus eligible to participate in the primaries. The party declared any action by state chapters or party officials aimed at preventing a cleared aspirant from participation as null, void, and without effect, emphasizing that no aspirant should be denied the opportunity to contest. Furthermore, the NDC, via National Secretary Barrister Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, vehemently dismissed circulating online reports of purported primary winners and results as fake and illogical. The party stressed that it is impossible for any candidate to have emerged since the primaries are scheduled for May 29, 2026, and urged the public, supporters, and members to disregard any unofficial reports, relying solely on information issued through recognized party channels to ensure a transparent and credible process.

In a significant move demonstrating its commitment to inclusivity and strategic political alignments, the leadership of the NDC approved waivers for two prominent political figures: Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, former Deputy President of the Senate, and Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly. These waivers grant them permission to contest the Delta Central and Delta North Senatorial seats, respectively, under the NDC platform in the 2027 general elections. This decision follows their formal defection from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the National Democratic Congress. The NDC warmly welcomed both leaders, assuring them of a credible and people-oriented platform, and recognized their extensive political experience, leadership capacity, and unwavering commitment to democratic ideals, good governance, and public service, confident in their ability to deliver quality representation.

Further guidance on the conduct of the primaries and future party plans was provided by NDC National Leader, Seriake Dickson. Due to prevailing time constraints, the party has approved that all individuals who purchased Expression of Interest Forms will be allowed to participate in the primaries in their various constituencies. However, the payment for nomination forms will only be required from successful candidates, who will then report to the party secretariat for documentation. Members and officials at all levels have been strictly directed to ensure that the primaries are conducted peacefully, transparently, and in strict adherence to the party's constitution, guidelines, and regulations. Teams comprising senior party officials have been selected and deployed to every state to conduct the exercise with the support of stakeholders and local leaders. It was also clarified that the respective teams will collate and process all results and forward them to the National Headquarters, where the National Working Committee will announce the results, explicitly stating that no state executive or team has the mandate to announce any results. Seriake Dickson also highlighted that, while the limited time necessitated a manual process for these upcoming primaries, this would be the last primary election in the NDC to be conducted manually. Future primaries are intended to be conducted electronically to minimize complaints and other challenges, reflecting the party's continuous evolution towards greater efficiency and fairness. The NDC reiterated its zero tolerance for violence, disorderly conduct, and hooliganism, pledging serious action against any offender.