Nigeria Democratic Congress Abandons E-Voting, Delays Primaries to May 29

Nigeria Democratic Congress leaders announced an ambitious shift to electronic voting for party primaries on May 26, unveiling a digital platform and mobile application at an inaugural Aspirants Dinner in Abuja. Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, the party's national leader, framed the move as a break from traditional politics and a response to controversies over inflated vote counts that plagued the All Progressives Congress primaries. The party also inaugurated a 21-member Selection Committee to streamline candidate selection.

Within 24 hours, the party reversed course on electronic voting, citing time constraints and the Independent National Electoral Commission timetable. The NDC confirmed that its upcoming primaries would be conducted manually, pledging full digitization only for future cycles. The party adopted a screening report chaired by former Ebonyi State Governor Sam Egwu, allowing all aspirants who purchased Expression of Interest forms to participate. Direct primaries were designated for State Assembly positions at the constituency level, while House of Representatives, Senate, governorship, and presidential contests would be decided at local government headquarters.

Dickson later announced that only primary winners would pay nomination fees and complete documentation, and he inaugurated an appeal panel for complaints. Presidential aspirant Peter Gregory Obi and National Chairman Moses Cleopas participated in the deliberations approving these modalities.

On May 28, the NDC rescheduled the actual voting to May 29, designating May 28 for arrivals, documentation with security agencies and INEC, and consultative meetings. The adjustment cited logistical and transportation challenges, including flight shortages, caused by Eid-el-Kabir festivities. The party appointed an Electoral Committee to oversee the process and warned that only the National Working Committee is authorized to announce results, prohibiting state executives from declaring outcomes.