The Nigeria Democratic Congress has confirmed that its nationwide presidential, governorship, National Assembly, and State Assembly primaries will proceed on May 29 despite disruptions caused by the Eid-el-Kabir public holidays and widespread transportation challenges.

The party said the decision to retain the original date became necessary to preserve its electoral timetable and ensure compliance with deadlines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a statement issued Wednesday in Abuja, NDC National Chairman Moses Cleopas explained that the Eid holidays had created major logistical setbacks, including flight cancellations and movement restrictions that stranded several aspirants and members of the party’s screening committees in the Federal Capital Territory.

According to him, the party adjusted its schedule to accommodate the disruptions without altering the actual date for the primaries.

He said May 28 would now be dedicated to arrivals, documentation with INEC and security agencies, consultations with stakeholders, and other preparatory activities ahead of the voting exercise.

“Major transportation and logistical challenges have arisen due to the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, including the non-availability of flights. Consequently, many aspirants and members of the screening team are currently stranded in Abuja,” Cleopas stated.

He added that party officials deployed across the states were expected to use the day for meetings with aspirants, elders, delegates, and stakeholders before the commencement of voting on Thursday.

The NDC chairman, however, warned that no government institution or security agency, including the Police, Department of State Services (DSS), or INEC, was authorised to participate in any unofficial political activities outside the approved schedule.

The party also directed that all results from the primaries must be transmitted to the national headquarters for final collation and official declaration by the National Working Committee.

“No state executive or team has the mandate to announce results,” the statement stressed.

Cleopas appealed to party members and aspirants to remain peaceful and orderly throughout the exercise, warning that the party would not tolerate violence, intimidation, or acts of hooliganism during the primaries.

The primaries are expected to determine the party’s candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections amid growing political realignments across the country.