The Nigeria Democratic Congress (DC) has directed all aspirants contesting various elective positions in Anambra State to eschew violence and electoral malpractices, urging them instead to embrace sportsmanship and a peaceful contest.

The directive was issued during a crucial briefing held in Awka on Thursday, where party leadership outlined the guidelines and expectations for the primary elections scheduled for Friday, May 29.

A Call for Decorum and Ideas

Addressing the stakeholders, the State Chairman of the NDC, Ikem Uzoezie, described the party as the most viable political brand in Nigeria. He urged aspirants to conduct themselves with decorum, emphasizing that the internal election should be a contest of ideas rather than a battleground for conflict.

"The primary is a test of popularity among aspirants and must not devolve into violence," Uzoezie stated. "We assure all aspirants of a level playing field, and we urge them to allow the best candidates to emerge for next year’s general elections in the overall interest of the party."

Commitment to Transparency and Protocol

The Acting Chairman of the electoral panel, Uchenna Okogbue, reiterated the party's expectation for a credible and orderly process. He noted that because the party's sole presidential candidate, Peter Obi, hails from Anambra State, the national spotlight remains firmly on the state's performance.

Okogbue emphasized that the primaries should be viewed as a call to service rather than a "do-or-die" affair. He explained that while the party will pursue a consensus candidacy where feasible, the Option A4 voting system will be adopted where consensus fails. The election is slated to take place transparently across designated venues in all 21 local government areas of the state.

Corroborating this stance, the Secretary of the electoral panel, Chukwudi Igwe, admonished the aspirants and their supporters to mirror the values of the party's presidential candidate, warning that any disruption would be a disservice to the nation.

High-Profile Attendance

The briefing saw the attendance of several prominent party figures and stakeholders, including:

• Senator Victor Umeh and Senator Tony Nwoye

• Serving House of Representatives members, including Lilian Orogbu and Uche Okonkwo

• Members of the State House of Assembly

• Odinaka Okoroafor, representing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

• Arinze Udeze, State Secretary of the party

• Various aspirants, including Ebuka Onunkwor

The upcoming primary elections will determine the NDC's candidates for the State House of Assembly, the House of Representatives, and the Senate ahead of next year's general elections.