By Adesakin Adefemi
The Nigeria Democratic Congress has inaugurated a 20-member National Selection Committee to oversee the screening and selection of aspirants seeking the party’s governorship and National Assembly tickets for the 2026 general elections.
The committee’s formation was announced on Friday in Abuja by the party’s National Secretary, Ikenna Enekweizu. He said the panel was approved by the National Leader of the party following recommendations by the National Working Committee as part of preparations for the primaries.
According to Enekweizu, the committee is mandated to review, scrutinise, and consider the reports and recommendations of the National Screening Committee. It will also take final decisions on the screening outcomes of all aspirants.
The party named Moses Cleopas as chairman of the committee, with Enekweizu serving as secretary. Other members include Babatunde Ali, Sidi Bomi, Mohammed Zuwo, Dr. Danlami Arabs, Fredrick Owotorufa, Teddy Obey, Barnabas J. Ejisi, Adedayo Ekong, and Yunusa Tanko.
Additional members are Moses Paul, Buba Galadima, Aminu Abdulsalam, Danladi Abdulhamid, Udenta Udenta, Reuben Egwuaba, Dudu Manuga, Dr. Grace Onyekusiobi, and Shittu Mohammed. The diverse composition, the party said, reflects its commitment to inclusivity in the selection process.
Enekweizu explained that only aspirants who successfully pass through the screening process and obtain clearance from the National Selection Committee would be eligible to purchase nomination forms. He described the arrangement as a step toward ensuring credibility and order in the primaries.
The National Secretary added that the process is designed to promote consensus-building among aspirants and strengthen unity within the party. Where consensus arrangements fail, direct primaries will be conducted between May 28 and May 30 in line with the party’s electoral guidelines.
He stressed that the mechanism aims to ensure the emergence of widely acceptable candidates through a free, fair, and credible process. The party said this would position it strongly ahead of the 2026 elections.
The NDC noted that the screening and selection exercise forms part of broader preparations to consolidate its structure and present candidates capable of delivering on its agenda at both state and federal levels.
