The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has announced plans to introduce electronic voting for its future primaries and congresses as part of efforts to deepen internal democracy and strengthen participation within the party.
Speaking at the party’s aspirants’ dinner in Abuja, leader of the NDC, Seriake Dickson, stated that the party had already developed a mobile voting application for members.
Senator Dickson explained that the platform was initially scheduled for deployment but was temporarily suspended to allow for further testing and coordination with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to him, the party hopes to commence electronic voting in its primaries within the next few months, allowing registered members to vote directly from their mobile phones.
He said the NDC was determined to become a model political party built on transparency, innovation and strong democratic principles rather than personal interests.
Senator Dickson described the NDC as a movement designed to outlive individual politicians, stressing that the party was not created as a “special purpose vehicle” for any single person.
The former Bayelsa governor added that the party was building leadership structures from the ward level to the national level to encourage inclusion and grassroots participation.
He also promised mentorship programmes, political enlightenment workshops and leadership opportunities for youths and women across the country.
Speaking at the event, the presidential hopeful of the party, Peter Obi, praised aspirants and party supporters for their sacrifices and commitment to national development.
Obi assured members that even those who fail to secure tickets during the primaries would still be recognized for their dedication and contributions to the party.
He stressed that nation-building requires sacrifice and urged members not to lose hope or withdraw from the political process because of temporary setbacks.
The former Anambra governor also spoke on his recent visit to South Africa, where he met political leaders and Nigerians living abroad over concerns about the treatment of Nigerians in foreign countries.
According to Obi, many Nigerians abroad expressed frustration over worsening economic conditions and insecurity back home, with some saying they preferred remaining overseas despite their challenges.
He lamented Nigeria’s declining global image,
noting that the country once played major roles in international peacekeeping operations but now struggles with insecurity within its borders.
Also speaking, NDC chieftain Buba Galadima appealed to aspirants to remain patient and committed to the party despite the intense competition for tickets in various constituencies.
Galadima noted that some constituencies had as many as 17 aspirants contesting for a single ticket and urged unsuccessful contestants to remain loyal to the party and continue supporting its growth ahead of future elections.
