ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced plans to introduce electronic voting in its future primary elections as part of efforts to strengthen internal democracy and build a more transparent and technology-driven political structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party’s National Leader and former Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, disclosed this at an Aspirants Dinner held in Abuja for screened aspirants and party stakeholders.
Dickson said the reform is aimed at deepening participation within the party and ensuring that future primaries are credible, transparent, and powered by digital innovation.
He explained that the party has already developed a mobile voting application that would allow registered members to participate in primaries and congresses directly from their phones.
According to him, the platform was initially ready for deployment but was temporarily suspended to allow further testing and coordination with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
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He said the party and INEC are still fine-tuning technical details before full rollout.
Dickson added that once implemented, the system would transform how party elections are conducted, making voting more accessible and inclusive for members.
He stressed that the NDC is committed to building a political party driven by ideology, transparency, and institutional strength rather than individual ambition.
The former governor also warned against attempts to turn the party into a platform for personal political projects ahead of the 2027 elections.
He said the NDC is not being built as a “special-purpose vehicle” for any individual but as a long-term political institution capable of enduring beyond electoral cycles.
Dickson added that the party’s goal is to develop structures comparable to established global political parties built on ideology and service.
He also announced the inauguration of a 21-member Selection Committee to work with party organs in managing the screening and selection process for governorship, National Assembly, and State Assembly aspirants.
According to him, the party is building structures from the ward to the national level to encourage grassroots participation, youth inclusion, and leadership development.
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Dickson acknowledged that the reform process may not be perfect due to time constraints but insisted the leadership remains committed to fairness and transparency.
He maintained that the party is open to all members, stressing that every registered member will have a fair opportunity to participate in its processes.
Also speaking at the event, the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, assured aspirants that their efforts and sacrifices would be recognised even if they do not secure party tickets.
Obi said political participation should not be defined only by victory but also by contribution to national development and party building.
He urged members not to abandon the political process due to setbacks, stressing the need for patience and sustained commitment to national reform.
Obi also reflected on Nigeria’s global image, saying many citizens abroad expressed frustration over conditions at home, which he said must be urgently addressed.
He added that Nigeria must return to a path of effective governance, security, and national responsibility.
Meanwhile, NDC chieftain Buba Galadima urged aspirants to remain patient and united despite intense competition for party tickets across constituencies.
He noted that in some areas, as many as 17 aspirants are contesting a single ticket, but only one person can eventually emerge.
Galadima encouraged unsuccessful aspirants to remain in the party and contribute to its growth.
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He assured them that opportunities for participation would still exist beyond the primaries.
Several aspirants at the event commended the screening and selection process, describing it as transparent and credible.
Some participants who recently joined the party said their decision was driven by concerns over insecurity, corruption, and economic hardship in the country.
An aspirant for the Rivers East Senatorial District, Dr Benjamin Okuolo, described the 2027 election cycle as a contest between the political establishment and citizens seeking change through the NDC platform.