The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced the constitution of 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 issued 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 submitted by the National Working Committee as part of broader preparations for the forthcoming primary elections.
He explained that the committee would play a central role in ensuring transparency, fairness and internal democracy during the process of selecting candidates to fly the party’s flag in the next elections.
Enekweizu stated that the newly inaugurated committee had been given the responsibility of reviewing and evaluating reports submitted by the National Screening Committee before making final decisions regarding aspirants seeking elective offices.
“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,” he said.
According to the NDC secretary, the arrangement is intended to deepen internal consensus-building within the party and ensure the emergence of candidates acceptable to party members across different states and constituencies.
He added that the process would also help strengthen party unity and reduce disputes that often arise during party primaries.
“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 party named Moses Cleopas as chairman of the committee, while Enekweizu himself will serve as secretary.
Other members of the committee include Babatunde Ali, Sidi Bomi, Mohammed Zuwo, Danlami Arabs, Fredrick Owotorufa and Teddy Obey.
Others listed as members are Barnabas J. Ejisi, Adedayo Ekong, Yunusa Tanko, Moses Paul, Buba Galadima and Aminu Abdulsalam.
The committee also includes Danladi Abdulhamid, Udenta Udenta, Reuben Egwuaba, Dudu Manuga, Grace Onyekusiobi and Shittu Mohammed.
The party explained that only aspirants who successfully scale through the screening and clearance process conducted by the National Selection Committee would be eligible to proceed to the next stage of purchasing nomination forms.
According to Enekweizu, the decision is part of measures aimed at ensuring that only qualified and credible aspirants participate in the party’s primaries.
He further stated that the process was deliberately structured to encourage dialogue, reconciliation and consensus among aspirants before resorting to competitive elections.
The NDC secretary noted that the party leadership believes consensus arrangements would help minimise internal divisions and strengthen the collective chances of the party ahead of the general elections.
However, he clarified that where consensus efforts fail, the party would conduct direct primaries in accordance with its electoral guidelines.
According to him, the direct primaries are scheduled to hold between May 28 and May 30.
The development comes amid increasing political activities across Nigeria as parties intensify preparations ahead of the 2026 election cycle.
Political observers say the establishment of the committee signals the NDC’s determination to position itself as a serious contender in the forthcoming elections.
The party has recently been expanding its structures and membership base across different parts of the country while attracting new aspirants and political figures seeking alternative platforms ahead of the polls.
Analysts also note that internal party democracy and transparent candidate selection processes are likely to become major issues in the build-up to the elections, especially following recurring disputes over party primaries in previous electoral cycles.
By setting up the National Selection Committee, the NDC appears to be attempting to avoid internal crises and project an image of organisational discipline and credibility.
Party insiders say the committee is expected to begin work immediately as consultations and screening activities intensify nationwide.
The NDC leadership expressed confidence that the process would produce competent candidates capable of representing the party effectively in the governorship and National Assembly elections.
The statement reiterated the party’s commitment to fairness, transparency and inclusiveness as preparations continue for the primaries and the wider electoral contest ahead.
