The National Publicity Secretary of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Osa Director, has said the party has introduced strict measures to prevent political aspirants from exploiting the popularity of prominent opposition figures such as Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso to gain political power.
Director disclosed this on Thursday during an interview on Channels Television’s ‘Sunrise Daily’, where he explained that the party had learned from the experiences of the 2023 general elections.
According to him, unlike what happened in the Labour Party and the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, in 2023, the NDC would carry out a more detailed screening process for aspirants seeking the party’s ticket.
“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 NDC,” he said.
He added that many individuals were likely attracted by the popularity of Obi and Kwankwaso, as well as the growing perception of the NDC as a credible opposition platform.
“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,” he stated.
Director further explained that the party subjected aspirants to questions regarding their political vision, credentials and grassroots presence during the screening exercise.
“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?” he queried.
Recall that Obi contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party, while Kwankwaso flew the flag of the NNPP.
In the lead-up to the election, several relatively unknown politicians joined both parties and secured elective positions. However, many later defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
Reacting to the development, the NDC spokesman insisted that the party would not repeat the mistakes of the past.
“So, 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 added.
