NDC denies imposing candidates, says primaries followed consultative process
NDC's National Publicity Secretary Osa Director said on Thursday that the party did not impose candidates on any constituency during its recent primary elections. Every aspirant who approached the NDC was received, attended to, and directed to engage with the appropriate caucus leaders, stakeholders, and grassroots members in their respective states. Director explained that the party operates through a stakeholder leadership structure with caucus heads in all states of the federation, and that it upholds principles of leadership, consultation, inclusiveness, and consensus-building. He also reiterated the NDC's commitment to encouraging female participation in elective offices, noting that this has been done in some cases.
The statement came amid reports of some aspirants prematurely declaring themselves as candidates and complaints about aspects of the primary process. According to the NDC, these issues have been forwarded to the party's appeal panel and leadership, which have addressed them accordingly. The denial seeks to counter allegations of fraud or extortion during the primaries that have surfaced in recent commentary.
For voters and party members, the clarification signals that the NDC claims its primary process was consultative and transparent, though the ultimate test will be whether the nominated candidates gain acceptance in the general election. Observers may want to monitor how the appeal panel's decisions affect candidate lists and whether any disputes escalate ahead of the 2027 elections.