NDC Urges Anambra Aspirants to Avoid Violence, Malpractices Ahead of Friday Primaries

The Nigeria Democratic Congress has called on all its aspirants contesting various elective positions in Anambra State to steer clear of violence and electoral malpractices during the party’s primary elections, urging them to embrace sportsmanship and a peaceful contest of popularity.

The charge was delivered on Thursday during a crucial meeting held in Awka, where the party briefed aspirants on the guidelines and expectations for the primaries scheduled for Friday, May 29.

Addressing the aspirants, the NDC State Chairman, Ikem Uzoezie, described the party as the most viable political brand in Nigeria at the moment. He urged aspirants to conduct themselves with decorum, stressing that the primaries should be a contest of ideas and a test of popularity, not a battleground for violence or quarrels.

“The primary is a test of popularity by the aspirants and should not be turned into violence. We assure all the aspirants of a level playing field, and we urge them to allow the best candidates to emerge for next year’s general elections in the overall interest of the party,” Uzoezie said.

The Acting Chairman of the electoral panel, Uchenna Okogbue, told aspirants that the party expects a peaceful and credible process that would position Anambra State as a shining example for the nation. He noted that with the party’s sole presidential candidate, Peter Obi, hailing from Anambra, all eyes are on the state to deliver a transparent and orderly primary election.

Okogbue emphasised that the primaries are a call to service and not a “do or die” affair. He stated that the party would pursue consensus candidacy where possible, but where that fails, the Option A4 method would be adopted. He assured aspirants that the process would be transparent and conducted at designated venues across all 21 local government areas of the state.

The Secretary of the electoral panel, Chukwudi Igwe, further admonished aspirants and their supporters to exhibit the values of the party’s presidential candidate, warning that failure to do so would be a major disappointment to the nation.

Prominent figures at the meeting included Senator Victor Umeh, Senator Tony Nwoye, serving House of Representatives members Lilian Orogbu and Uche Okonkwo, State Assembly members, an INEC representative, the State Secretary of the party, and several aspirants.

The primaries are expected to produce the party’s candidates for next year’s general elections, including positions in the State House of Assembly, House of Representatives, and the Senate.