NDC chieftain warns against altering Kaduna governorship primary process

Ibrahim Muhammad, a senior figure within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kaduna State, has cautioned against any modifications to the current primary election process for selecting the governorship candidate. In a recent statement, he emphasized the significance of this process in upholding internal democracy, fairness, and the trust of party members.

Several party members have advocated for a primary election to choose the candidate, arguing that no consensus was reached to nominate a candidate for the 2027 gubernatorial election. Muhammad stated that any alteration to the established primary process must adhere to the NDC Constitution, relevant electoral laws, the party’s guidelines, and INEC regulations.

He highlighted that INEC’s recent regulations outline the procedures for modifying the primary process, including the necessity to inform INEC and provide reasons for the proposed change. Muhammad cautioned that any unilateral decision to replace or significantly modify the Kaduna primary process without proper authorization, consultation, and compliance with regulations could be legally problematic and detrimental to internal democracy.

He stressed the importance of fairness, transparency, and respect for democratic procedures, ensuring that every aspirant and party member have confidence in the process. Muhammad called upon key stakeholders, including Henry Seriake Dickson, Peter Obi, Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the Kaduna State leadership, and all NDC members, to thoroughly consider the matter and adhere to the party’s constitutional framework and INEC’s requirements.

He stressed that the political future of Kaduna State is too crucial to the NDC’s growth to allow for internal disputes that could undermine member and supporter confidence. He concluded by advocating for a transparent and lawful primary process, asserting that such a process would bolster the party’s strength, regardless of the candidate ultimately chosen.