The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has constituted a 20-member National Selection Committee to supervise the screening and selection of governorship and National Assembly aspirants ahead of the 2026 elections.
The party disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by its National Secretary, Ikenna Enekweizu.
According to the statement, the committee was approved by the National Leader of the party following recommendations submitted by the National Working Committee as part of preparations for the party’s forthcoming primary elections.
Enekweizu said the committee would play a central role in reviewing the reports of the National Screening Committee and determining the eligibility of aspirants seeking the party’s tickets.
“The committee is mandated to review, scrutinise, and consider the reports and recommendations of the National Screening Committee, and to take appropriate decisions on the screening outcomes of all aspirants,” he stated.
“This process is designed to promote consensus-building and ensure the emergence of widely acceptable candidates through a free, fair, and credible mechanism.”
The NDC named Moses Cleopas as chairman of the committee, while Enekweizu will serve as secretary.
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Other members of the committee include Babatunde Ali, Sidi Bomi, Mohammed Zuwo, Dr Danlami Arabs, Fredrick Owotorufa, Teddy Obey, Barnabas J. Ejisi, Adedayo Ekong, Yunusa Tanko, Moses Paul, Buba Galadima, Aminu Abdulsalam, Danladi Abdulhamid, Udenta Udenta, Reuben Egwuaba, Dudu Manuga, Dr Grace Onyekusiobi and Shittu Mohammed.
The party explained that only aspirants who successfully scale the screening stage and secure clearance from the National Selection Committee would be permitted to proceed with the purchase of nomination forms.
According to Enekweizu, the arrangement is part of the party’s broader strategy to encourage internal consensus, reduce conflicts and strengthen unity ahead of the elections.
He added that where consensus arrangements fail among aspirants, the party would conduct direct primaries between May 28 and May 30 in line with its electoral guidelines.
The move comes as political parties intensify internal consultations and preparations ahead of the 2026 electoral cycle, with opposition parties seeking to consolidate alliances and strengthen their structures nationwide.