Former Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson will inaugurate a 21-member Selection Committee of the Nigeria Democratic Congress on Monday in Abuja, as the party moves to strengthen its candidate selection process ahead of the general elections.
The inauguration is part of ongoing internal preparations aimed at streamlining the selection of candidates for governorship, National Assembly and state assembly seats, according to a statement signed by NDC National Publicity Secretary Osa Director.
The party said the committee was created to deepen internal democracy and review outcomes of screening exercises conducted for aspirants across the country.
“The Committee, which was constituted last week, is mandated to review, scrutinise, and consider the reports and recommendations of the National Screening Committee and the State Houses of Assembly Screening Committees,” the statement said.
It added that the panel will also take final decisions on screening outcomes as part of efforts to present credible candidates for the elections.
The 21-member committee will be chaired by NDC National Chairman Sen. Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe and was established on the recommendation of the party’s National Working Committee in line with directives from Dickson, the party’s national leader.
“The Selection Committee… is a brainchild of the NDC National Leader, working in concert with the recommendations of the National Working Committee,” the statement added.
The party said the committee’s objective is to ensure it fields strong candidates across all elective positions.
“It is to ensure that the NDC presents the most formidable candidate for every position to be contested in the general election,” it said.
Dickson is also expected to host an aspirants’ dinner later Monday at 6 p.m. in Abuja for screened aspirants and selected stakeholders.
A separate statement by National Secretary Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu said the dinner is aimed at strengthening unity and engagement within the party.
“The National Leader and the party’s hierarchy hope to use the event to meet with the aspirants as well as other stakeholders,” the statement said.
The party said the event is part of efforts to promote inclusiveness and cohesion, adding that attendance is strictly by invitation.
