NDC appoints screening committee, tightens candidate vetting ahead of 2027 polls

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) says it has introduced stricter screening measures to stop political aspirants from exploiting the popularity of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party’s spokesman, Osa Directo, disclosed this during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Thursday, where he explained that the NDC had learnt valuable lessons from the events surrounding the 2023 elections.

According to him, the party is determined to avoid a repeat of a situation in which politicians with little political background joined opposition parties, secured elective positions and later defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“We have learnt from the incident of the past that happened in the Labour Party,” Director said during the interview.

“That was why during our screening, we took particular notice of the fact that many people, especially some from the diaspora who had never participated in politics before, rushed to obtain forms under the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress.”

Directo noted that several individuals were attracted to the NDC because of the growing influence of prominent opposition figures such as Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, as well as public dissatisfaction with the current political situation in the country.

“As you have said, they probably wanted to ride on the Obi-Kwankwaso wave.

“They also see that the NDC is emerging as a vibrant alternative platform to the mess we are experiencing in the country today, and we are fully conscious of that reality, ” he said.

He explained that the party had already begun conducting detailed checks on aspirants seeking tickets under its platform, insisting that only committed and credible individuals would be allowed to contest elections on behalf of the NDC.

“Even during the screening process, most of them were asked serious questions about their vision, credentials and political involvement,” he added.

“And if you are not on the ground politically, who is going to vote for you?”

Peter Obi contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party, while Rabiu Kwankwaso flew the flag of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

Their popularity attracted many new entrants into both parties during the election period.

Several relatively unknown politicians won elections under the platforms of the LP and NNPP during the 2023 polls.

However, months after the elections, many of them defected to the APC, a development that generated criticism and concerns within opposition circles.

Reacting to that trend, Directo insisted that the NDC would not operate “business as usual” as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.

“So, flowing from that experience, the NDC has made it clear to all aspirants that things will not continue the old way.

“We are going to check your pedigree carefully. If you do not have a verifiable record and genuine commitment to the principles and values of the party, then you will not get the opportunity to fly the NDC flag, ” he said.

He maintained that the party was committed to building a structure driven by loyalty, ideology and long-term dedication rather than opportunism.

“We are learning from the mistakes of the past,” Directo stated.