NDC Insists Primaries Hold May 29 Despite Eid-el-Kabir Holidays

The Nigeria Democratic Congress has insisted that its Presidential, National Assembly, Governorship and State Assembly primaries will still hold nationwide on May 29 despite adjustments caused by the Eid-el-Kabir public holidays.

The party explained that the decision followed transportation and logistical challenges triggered by the festive period, including flight unavailability, which reportedly left many aspirants and members of the screening committee stranded in Abuja after the screening exercise.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, the NDC National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, said May 28 would now be reserved for arrivals, documentation with the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies, consultative meetings and other preparatory activities ahead of the primaries.

According to Cleopas, party officials deployed to the states are also expected to use the day for consultations with stakeholders, elders and aspirants before the commencement of voting activities.

He, however, warned that no state institution or security agency, including the Police, Department of State Services and INEC, should participate in any activities scheduled for May 28 outside the approved guidelines.

The NDC chairman stressed that any action outside the party’s approved procedures would be regarded as illegal and unauthorised.

“The primaries are still scheduled to be held nationwide on May 29, 2026, in keeping with the original May 28 and 29 timetable,” Cleopas stated.

“However, in view of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations and the resulting public holidays, major transportation and logistical challenges have arisen, including the non-availability of flights.”

Cleopas further outlined the sequence for the May 29 exercises, which include presidential affirmation, National Assembly primaries or affirmations, State Assembly primaries or affirmations, and governorship primaries or affirmations.

The party also directed that all results from across the states must be collated and transmitted to the national headquarters for official announcement by the National Working Committee.

“No state executive or team has the mandate to announce any results,” the statement added.

The NDC leadership appealed to members and aspirants to remain peaceful and orderly throughout the exercise, warning that the party would not tolerate violence, hooliganism or disorderly conduct during the primaries.