Some People Who Have Never Participated In Politics Want To Ride On Obi-Kwankwaso Wave – NDC

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) says it would not allow aspirants to take advantage of the popularity of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso just to win elections in 2027.

The NDC spokesperson, Osa Director, who spoke on Thursday during an interview on Channels Television, said the party has learnt from what happened with Peter Obi and the Labour Party during the 2023 elections and won’t allow a repeat of such.

He pointed out that during screening, the party took notice of the fact that a lot of people, especially people from the diaspora who have never participated in politics, rushed to get the NDC form to contest the 2027 elections.

He, however, assured that the party will be thorough in the screening of aspirants.

“We have learnt from the incident of the past that happened in the Labour Party, and that was why during our screening, we took particular special notice of the fact that a lot of people, especially people from the diaspora who have never participated in politics, rushed to get a form under the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

“As you have said, [they did so] probably to ride on the Obi-Kwankwaso wave and also because they see that the NDC is a vibrant alternative platform to the mess we’re having in the country today, and we are conscious of all that.

“Even during the screening, most of them were asked all those questions [about their vision and credentials], so they know. And if you are not on the ground. Who is going to vote for you?” Director queried.

Naija News recalls that Obi was the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, while Kwankwaso was the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) flagbearer.

Some relatively unknown aspirants rode the wave of their popularity to win elections, but months later, many of them dumped their parties for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

But the NDC spokesman said on Thursday that his party has learnt from that and would guide against it as both men are now members of the party.

“So, flowing from that experience, the NDC has also told all the aspirants that it is not going to be business as usual. We are going to check your pedigree.

“If you don’t have a verifiable pedigree and commitment to the party, to the principles and values that the party is espousing, then you are not going to pick a ticket and fly the flag of the NDC. So, we are learning from the mistakes of the past,” he said.