As Nigerians mark the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, travel disruptions across the country are beginning to shape the political calendar, with dozens of aspirants and party officials reportedly stranded in Abuja ahead of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, primaries.
Despite the challenges, the party says its nationwide primaries will go ahead as planned on May 29, 2026.
The NDC, in a statement signed by its National Chairman, Moses Cleopas, and National Secretary, Ikenna Alex-Morgan Enekweizu, explained that the festive period has created significant logistical hurdles, including limited flight availability, leaving many participants unable to return to their states after screening exercises in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Abuja.
For many of the affected aspirants, the delay has affected their last-minute consultations for the primaries, extended hotel stays, and uncertainty about reaching their constituencies in time.
Some party members describe the situation as “stressful but not unexpected” during a peak travel season.
In response, the party has adjusted its timetable, designating May 28 strictly for arrivals, documentation with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and security agencies, as well as stakeholder consultations across states.
Party officials emphasise that no formal political activities or announcements are permitted on May 28, warning that any unauthorised actions would be considered illegal.
The main event for the primaries will now be compressed into May 29, beginning with the presidential affirmation, followed by National Assembly, State Assembly, and governorship primaries.
The NDC leadership has also moved to centralise the process, directing that only the National Working Committee, NWC will announce results after collation at the party’s national headquarters. State executives and local teams have been expressly barred from declaring outcomes.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
