The Edo State Chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has debunked what it referred to as contentious speculation and deliberate misinformation suggesting that the NDC operates a zoning arrangement in determining candidates for elective offices within the party.

A press statement signed by the Edo State Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Chairman, Mr. David Olukoga on May 17, 2024 said that based on wide consultation with the national leader of the party, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, the NDC has clarified that there is no zoning policy in the party.

“The attention of the State Working Committee (SWC) of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Edo State Chapter has been drawn to the continuous speculations and deliberate misinformation suggesting that the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) operates a zoning arrangement in determining candidates for elective offices within the party.

“Following direct consultations with the National Leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), it has been clearl’ stated, and reaffirmed, that there is no zoning policy In the NDC.

The statement further said that the Nigeria Democratic Congress remains a party founded on the enduring principles of fairness, competence, credibility, capacity, and equal opportunity for every qualified aspirant, irrespective of background, political bloc, or sectional interests.

“The Nigeria Democratic Congress remains a party founded on the enduring principles of fairness, competence, credibility, capacity, and equal opportunity for every qualified aspirant, irrespective of background, political bloc, or sectional interests.

“Our commitment is simple and unwavering: to present the best candidates capable of delivering effective representation, responsible leadership, and meaningful development to the people.

Mr. Olukoga said any claim, assumption, or politically motivated narrative suggesting that any elective position including the Edo Central Senatorial seat or any other office has been reserved, restricted, or predetermined on the basis of zoning is entirely false, misleading, and should be disregarded by the public.

“Consequently, any claim, assumption, or politically motivated narrative suggesting that any elective position including the Edo Central Senatorial seat or any other office has been reserved, restricted, or predetermined on the basis of zoning is entirely false, misleading, and should be disregarded by the public.

“The NDC believes firmly in internal democracy. Our processes are guided by merit, popular support, integrity, competence, and the proven ability to serve the people effectively. We reject artificial political arrangements designed to limit leadership opportunities or deny the people the fundamental right to freely choose the most capable representatives.

“As Edo State approaches a new political era, we urge party faithful, supporters, and citizens across the state to remain focused on what truly matters: credible leadership, capacity, vision, service, and the collective future of our people.

“The NDC remains fully committed to building a party where every qualified voice matters, every capable hand is welcomed, and every decision is taken strictly in the best interest of the people.

“Let it therefore be clearly stated:

“There is no zoning in the NDC Edo State Chapter. There is only merit. There is only service. There is only the people.”