The newly formed National Democratic Congress (NDC) convened its maiden National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Wednesday, marking a defining moment for the party just weeks after its official registration.
The gathering drew near full attendance of NEC members from across Nigeria, reflecting the country’s ethnic and religious diversity.
Opening the session, party leaders expressed appreciation to members and supporters nationwide for their swift and overwhelming response to the NDC’s formation.
The surge in registration within weeks was hailed as a sign of growing public confidence in the party’s vision.
Party officials were urged to intensify grassroots mobilisation, public sensitisation, and membership drives ahead of the stipulated registration deadline.
A major highlight of the meeting was the formal ratification of key leadership positions.
Senator Moses Cleopas was confirmed as National Chairman, while Barrister Ikenna Alex-Morgan Enekweizu assumed office as National Secretary.
Other NEC members were ratified in an interim capacity, pending the conduct of congresses that will usher in substantive office holders.
The NEC also empowered its Working Committee to develop and release a detailed timetable for congresses at ward, state, and national levels.
Preparations for the party’s National Convention and primaries to select candidates for the 2027 general elections were discussed, with insiders saying these steps aim to establish a structured and transparent internal process early in the party’s lifecycle.
In addition, the NEC adopted an affirmative action framework to enhance the inclusion of women, youths, and vulnerable groups in leadership and governance, with state chairmen directed to ensure strict compliance nationwide.
“We call on members to demonstrate commitment and sacrifice in building a strong and enduring political movement,” party leaders said, extending an olive branch to Nigerians across political divides, particularly those disillusioned by crises in other parties.
Special recognition was given to youths, whose early adoption of the party’s ideals was described as encouraging signs of generational engagement in politics.
At the NEC meeting, former Bayelsa State Governor and Senator Seriake Dickson addressed the challenges facing Nigeria’s dominant political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He cautioned that internal contradictions were causing significant instability across platforms and urged displaced politicians to consider joining the NDC.
“All political houses are on fire right now. This hurricane that has come is driving most of them out of their houses. Most of their houses are collapsing.
”We must be ready to accommodate them,” Dickson said.
He directly invited members of the PDP, the Labour Party, and other opposition groups to join the NDC, which he described as a “fresh, people-oriented platform” offering an alternative for politicians seeking stability.
“I call on loyal members of the PDP who do not want to be part of a party that will become a clone of the APC. What will be left of the PDP will no longer be the party we used to know,” he warned.
Dickson criticised a governance culture dominated by power and wealth rather than service to citizens.
“To us, power is for the sake of the people. Without service, what is the end of power?” he asked, emphasising the NDC’s commitment to national service and transformation.
As Nigeria’s political landscape evolves ahead of the 2027 general elections, the NDC positions itself as a structured and inclusive alternative, seeking to attract members dissatisfied with internal crises in other parties while establishing a strong foundation for future electoral contests.
