The National Democratic Congress (NDC) does not have any predetermined strategy regarding its next presidential candidate, Deputy Director of Elections and IT, Dr Rashid Tanko-Computer has said, stressing that the party remains open to a competitive and transparent primary process.

Speaking to JoyNews’ News Desk on Friday, January 23, Dr Tanko-Computer said suggestions that the party has already settled on a particular strategy or candidate are misplaced, especially as nominations are yet to formally open.

“As a political party, we don’t consider it as a strategy at all. It’s not a strategy of the NDC,” he said. “Don’t forget we have not done our primary yet to determine who should be our candidate.”

He explained that the party is officially opening nominations from Saturday, January 24, and expects a keen contest among aspirants who meet the requirements.

“Indeed, we are opening the nomination tomorrow and then the 24th. So, we are expecting a keen contest. Whoever is interested can come and pick nomination forms,” he stated.

According to Dr Tanko-Computer, the NDC’s internal democratic culture allows all qualified members the opportunity to test their popularity among delegates at the constituency level.

“For us as a party, we don’t have that kind of strategy. We give room for all contestants, all aspirants those who are interested to test their strength against the delegates in the constituency,” he said, adding that the party’s social democratic tradition emphasises openness and inclusiveness.

“As social democrats, we are very open to our membership. Whoever has the qualification to contest can come and pick nomination forms from tomorrow,” he added.

He confirmed that several party members have already expressed interest in contesting, though he cautioned that such declarations should not be overstated at this stage.

“I’ve heard a lot of interests. People have declared their interest. I know of Madam Hajia, I know of our High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency Baba Jamal. I know of Mr Azindo Alija Azindo, who contested the primary before, and there are a host of others,” he said.

However, Dr Tanko-Computer noted that the party considers public declarations as preliminary moves until aspirants formally pick and file their nomination forms.

“As a political party and as Deputy Director of Elections, we consider all these declarations as water testing. Until they pick nomination forms and duly file, then we can engage them properly,” he explained.

The NDC is preparing for its internal elections as part of broader efforts to reorganise and position the party ahead of the 2028 general elections, following its return to opposition and ongoing internal reforms.