Eid Disruptions Force Shift as NDC Fixes Nationwide Primaries for May 29

The Nigeria Democratic Congress has confirmed that its nationwide presidential, governorship, National Assembly, and State Assembly primaries will now hold on May 29, 2026, following logistical disruptions caused by the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations and public holidays.

In a statement issued by the party, the NDC clarified that while the original timetable covered May 28 and 29, the actual voting and affirmation processes would take place on Friday, May 29.

The party explained that widespread transportation difficulties, including the unavailability of flights, left many aspirants and members of screening committees stranded in Abuja after participating in screening exercises.

According to the statement, May 28 has now been designated for arrivals, documentation with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies, consultative meetings, and other preparatory activities ahead of the primaries.

The party added that its various committees would also engage stakeholders, party elders, and aspirants across the states during the preparation period.

The NDC further warned that no government agency, including the Nigeria Police Force, Independent National Electoral Commission, and the Department of State Services, is expected to play any role in the meetings and activities scheduled for May 28, stressing that any action outside the approved guidelines would be considered unauthorized and illegal.

The party outlined the order of proceedings for the May 29 primaries to include presidential affirmation, National Assembly primaries and affirmations, State Assembly primaries and affirmations, as well as governorship primaries and affirmations.

It stated that all results would be collated and processed by designated teams before being forwarded to the party’s national headquarters, where the National Working Committee would officially announce the outcomes.

The NDC also directed that no state executive or local team is authorized to declare results independently.

The party appealed to members and aspirants to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the exercise, warning that it would not tolerate violence, disorderly conduct, or hooliganism during the primaries.