The legal team leader of the Obedient Movement, Vincent Otakpupu, has urged the National Democratic Coalition (NDC) to steer clear of the internal conflicts, controversial nomination processes, and weak internal democracy that have historically undermined major political parties in Nigeria.
Speaking in an interview on ARISE News on Monday, Otakpupu said the rising appeal of the coalition was being driven largely by Nigerians who are searching for a more trustworthy and reform-oriented political platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He warned that the coalition could lose public confidence if it mirrors the same patterns of disunity and electoral manipulation often associated with long-established parties in the country.
Otakpupu noted that widespread dissatisfaction with existing political structures has pushed many citizens to look for alternatives, stressing that the demand for credible leadership is growing stronger across the electorate.
According to him, the strength of the NDC will be tested by its ability to organize transparent and acceptable internal elections that are free from interference and imposition of candidates.
He maintained that the coalition already possesses the institutional framework required to conduct such credible exercises, insisting that its internal systems were deliberately designed to promote fairness and order.
He further emphasised that the party’s governing document remains central to its operations, describing it as a binding framework that must guide all internal decisions and political processes.
Otakpupu disclosed that the coalition has already put in place key structures such as screening committees, appeal mechanisms, and dispute resolution panels in preparation for its primaries.
He explained that these measures are intended to prevent internal disputes and ensure that aspirants are treated equitably throughout the nomination process.
The legal practitioner stressed that the coalition intends to avoid practices that have led to legal battles in other parties, including allegations of imposition, vote manipulation, and irregular selection processes.
He said internal democracy remains a critical test for the coalition, especially as more political actors and aspirants continue to join its platform ahead of the next election cycle.
Otakpupu attributed the growing interest in the coalition partly to public confidence inspired by prominent political figures associated with reformist politics, including former presidential candidate Peter Obi.
He described Obi as a symbol of accountable leadership, noting that his political presence has strengthened public perception of the coalition as a movement focused on governance reform.
According to him, many citizens are aligning with the coalition because of a strong desire for change and improved governance outcomes.
He also argued that most of the disputes that end up in court among political parties in Nigeria are often the result of flawed internal processes and poorly conducted primaries.
He explained that where internal elections are transparent and widely accepted, the likelihood of post-election litigation is significantly reduced.
Otakpupu pointed out that Nigerian electoral laws already provide clear guidelines for candidate selection, including provisions for both direct and consensus-based primaries.
He added that adherence to these legal frameworks would help political parties reduce internal tension and improve stability.
According to him, when party processes are transparent and outcomes are clearly accepted by members, aggrieved aspirants are less likely to resort to litigation.
Addressing concerns that the coalition could be influenced by defectors from other major political parties such as the APC, PDP, and Labour Party, Otakpupu said the future of the NDC would depend more on its leadership values than on the background of its members.
He argued that what matters most is the direction and discipline of the party’s leadership structure rather than the political history of individuals joining its ranks.
He also noted that Nigeria’s current socio-economic challenges, including rising hardship and insecurity, are contributing to growing public demand for political change.
Otakpupu added that the coalition’s message of reform is resonating with many citizens who are struggling with basic living conditions and economic pressures.
He emphasised that access to basic necessities should not be treated as a privilege, but as a fundamental expectation of governance in any functional society.
In his closing remarks, he cautioned that the coalition’s long-term credibility would depend on its ability to maintain internal discipline, uphold transparent electoral processes, and resist the temptation to replicate the same political practices Nigerians have rejected in the past.
He warned that failure to do so could undermine the very purpose for which the coalition was formed.
