Crisis in NDC as Primary Chair Submits Candidates to INEC

A fresh crisis is developing within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) following a controversial submission of candidates' lists for the governorship and state assembly primaries in Abia State. Asukew Ikoawaji, the chair of the primary election committee, submitted the list directly to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on May 30, 2026, without the approval of the party's national leadership.

This action has raised concerns among party stakeholders and legal observers regarding compliance with established procedures for candidate nominations. The submission included results from the primaries held on May 29, 2026, across Abia State's 17 local government areas.

Critics within the party argue that the formal communication to INEC should have originated from the national leadership, particularly the national chairman and secretary. The situation has sparked warnings of a potential legal battle and deepened existing divisions within the NDC as the political season approaches.

Neither the national leadership of the NDC nor INEC has issued an official statement regarding the matter.