The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is facing growing internal backlash after directing dissatisfied aspirants from its recently concluded primaries to sign indemnity forms committing not to challenge the outcome in court.
The directive, issued about three weeks after the party’s primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections, has heightened allegations of ticket monetization, imposition, and dissatisfaction with consensus arrangements across several states.
On Tuesday, June 16, 2026, the party summoned aggrieved aspirants to its national secretariat for a public signing of the indemnity documents, describing the exercise as part of efforts to promote unity and prevent post-primary litigation.
The invitation, signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, read:
“You are invited to the media coverage of NDC candidates signing of indemnity form. Date: Tuesday, 16th June, 2026 Venue: NDC party Secretariat Time: 2pm.”
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However, the move has triggered criticism from stakeholders who argue that it effectively seeks to prevent aspirants from pursuing legal redress over disputed primaries, raising fresh concerns about internal democracy within the party.
The controversy comes amid repeated denials by party leaders over allegations of financial inducement during the primary elections.
The National Leader of the party and former Governor of Bayelsa State, Henry Seriake Dickson, last week maintained that candidates emerged through due process and stakeholder consultations, dismissing claims of vote buying as unfounded.
He also said there was no crisis within the party’s presidential arrangement involving Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, but urged supporters to exercise restraint and avoid inflammatory statements.
In a related development, the National Chairman, Moses Cleopas, announced the establishment of a presidential campaign council fund to streamline financing and strengthen campaign coordination ahead of the 2027 general elections, noting that the party would no longer allow concentration of resources in a few hands.
Despite these assurances, the indemnity directive continues to generate tension within the party, with concerns that it could further strain internal cohesion as the election cycle approaches.