As political parties begin positioning for the 2027 general elections, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has sought to set itself apart with an unconventional primary election process that placed party members ahead of money in determining who flies its flag.
The party on Friday celebrated the successful completion of its nationwide presidential, governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly primaries, describing the exercise as a validation of its commitment to internal democracy and grassroots participation.
Unlike the traditional approach adopted by most political parties, the NDC required aspirants to first secure the support of members through primary elections before purchasing nomination forms.
Party leaders said the model was deliberately designed to reduce the financial burden associated with seeking elective office and create opportunities for candidates who may not possess enormous financial resources but enjoy genuine grassroots support.
In a statement issued by National Publicity Secretary Osa Director Esq., the party said the exercise attracted significant participation from members across the federation despite transportation challenges and disruptions associated with the Eid-el-Kabir holiday.
According to the NDC, reports from various states indicated that voting and affirmation exercises were conducted peacefully, with aspirants and their supporters embracing the outcome of the contests in a manner that reflected democratic maturity.
The party also noted that officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alongside personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), monitored the process in several locations.
For NDC leaders, however, the significance of the primaries extends beyond the emergence of candidates.
Party officials argue that the exercise served as a test of a political culture they hope to promote nationally—one where participation is broadened, financial barriers are reduced and political competition is driven more by ideas and popular support than by the size of campaign war chests.
Across many voting centres, supporters turned the exercise into a celebration of the party’s growing presence, expressing optimism that the NDC can establish itself as a credible alternative in Nigeria’s political landscape.
The successful conduct of the primaries now clears the way for the party to formally unveil candidates who will lead its campaigns across the country ahead of the 2027 elections.
For a party seeking to challenge Nigeria’s established political order, the primaries offered not only an opportunity to choose candidates but also a chance to showcase a different approach to how political power is contested and earned.