The Nigeria Democratic Congress has urged all aspirants contesting elective positions in Anambra State to avoid violence and electoral malpractice during the party’s primary elections and instead embrace peace, fairness and sportsmanship.
The charge was given during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Awka on Thursday ahead of the party primaries scheduled for Friday, May 29.
Addressing the aspirants, the State Chairman of the party, Ikem Uzoezie, described the NDC as one of the fastest-growing political platforms in the country and encouraged contestants to conduct themselves responsibly throughout the exercise.
According to him, the primaries should be seen as a healthy democratic contest centred on popularity and ideas rather than conflict or hostility.
“The primary election is a test of popularity and should not be turned into violence. We are assuring every aspirant of a level playing field and urging everyone to allow credible candidates to emerge in the overall interest of the party,” he said.
Also speaking, the Acting Chairman of the party’s electoral panel, Uchenna Okogbue, stated that the party was committed to conducting a peaceful and transparent process capable of setting a good example for the rest of the country.
He noted that with Peter Obi emerging as the party’s sole presidential candidate, attention would naturally be focused on Anambra State to deliver a credible and orderly primary election.
Okogbue stressed that the primaries were a call to service and not a “do-or-die” political contest.
According to him, the party would adopt consensus arrangements where possible, while Option A4 voting would be used in situations where consensus could not be achieved.
He further assured aspirants that the process would be transparent and conducted across designated centres in all 21 local government areas of the state.
In his remarks, the Secretary of the electoral panel, Chukwudi Igwe, advised aspirants and their supporters to reflect the values and leadership style associated with Peter Obi, warning that any misconduct during the process would disappoint many Nigerians who look up to the party.
Several notable party figures attended the meeting, including Victor Umeh, Tony Nwoye, members of the House of Representatives such as Lilian Orogbu and Uche Okonkwo.
Others present included the INEC representative, Odinaka Okoroafor, the State Secretary of the party, Arinze Udeze, and other aspirants, including Ebuka Onunkwor.
The primaries are expected to produce the party’s candidates for the 2027 general elections, including contestants for the State House of Assembly, House of Representatives and Senate seats.