The Kaduna State chapter of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is demanding a formal primary election to determine its gubernatorial candidate. Publicity Secretary Tanko Marafa Tsoriang stated that the membership is being stripped of their constitutional right to choose their own leader.
Tsoriang condemned a recent event in Abuja on May 21, characterizing it as a dictatorial imposition rather than a legitimate consensus or direct primary. He argued that this action violates Section 87 of the Electoral Act 2026. The state branch has formally requested that the national leadership permit a democratic selection process to ensure legal compliance.
Furthermore, the chapter pointed to Section 36 of the Electoral Act 2026, which allows the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to extend nomination deadlines if a state fails to produce a candidate by the initial date. The party leadership was warned that uploading a candidate without a valid, INEC-monitored primary could result in the state being unable to participate in the 2027 gubernatorial race. Tsoriang emphasized that the national body should invite INEC to oversee a proper selection to avoid potential legal disqualification and internal dissatisfaction.
