Fact Check: Nigeria Democratic Congress Confirms 20‑Member Selection Panel for 2026 Elections

### Claim 1 The Nigeria Democratic Congress formed a 20‑member National Selection Committee to screen aspirants for governorship and National Assembly positions in the 2026 elections. Naija News reports that the NDC’s National Working Committee set up a 20‑member National Selection Committee to screen governorship and National Assembly aspirants ahead of the 2026 primaries. The Guardian confirms the same detail. The original party statement says the NDC has constituted a 20‑member National Selection Committee to oversee screening and selection of aspirants seeking the party’s governorship and National Assembly tickets ahead of the 2026 elections. Verdict: True Analysis: Multiple independent sources agree on the committee’s size and purpose, with no contradictory reports, giving high confidence.

### Claim 2 Moses Cleopas was appointed chairman of the National Selection Committee and Ikenna Enekweizu appointed secretary. The Guardian states the committee is chaired by Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe and notes that the party’s National Secretary, Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, signed the statement announcing the committee. Naija News identifies Ikenna Enekweizu as the party’s National Secretary who issued the statement. The original article says the NDC named Moses Cleopas as chairman while Enekweizu will serve as secretary. Verdict: True Analysis: All sources confirm the chairman and secretary roles; minor name variations do not affect the substance.

### Claim 3 If consensus fails, the party will hold direct primaries from May 28 to May 30, 2026, per its electoral guidelines. The original article quotes the party secretary saying that where consensus arrangements fail, direct primaries would be conducted between May 28 and May 30 in line with the party’s electoral guidelines. The Guardian reports the same dates for direct primaries when consensus fails. No source disputes these dates. Verdict: True Analysis: Consistent reporting across the party statement and independent outlets supports the timeline, leaving no room for doubt.

Watch for the committee’s first screening meetings and the release of the list of cleared aspirants who will be eligible to purchase nomination forms.