The second National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Abuja yesterday took on the tone of a high-stakes political turning point. National Leader Senator Seriake Dickson delivered a forceful and emotionally charged address blending praise, warning, and strategic direction for the party's future. Presidential candidate Peter Obi delivered a sobering but energised message calling for sacrifice, humility, and a radical shift towards grassroots politics as the party positions itself for the 2027 general elections.
Dickson's address: A party on the rise
Dickson, addressing top party officials, legislators, governors-in-waiting, and Obi, declared that the NDC had moved beyond its fragile beginnings and was now firmly on course to becoming a dominant national political force. He described the party's journey as marked by doubt, resistance, and political hostility but insisted that its survival and rapid expansion proved it had already overcome its earliest existential tests.
“We were written off before we even started,” he said. “But today, we are not just surviving; we are building a movement that is becoming national in character and unstoppable in spirit.” The former Bayelsa governor praised party members for extraordinary resilience, noting that despite being newly formed, the NDC had established structures across all states and the FCT. He said the party has fielded candidates in governorship races, National Assembly contests, and House of Assembly elections nationwide, reflecting organisational discipline and growing public acceptance. However, he cautioned against complacency, warning that internal discipline must be maintained.
Obi's reality check: Grassroots or failure
Obi, addressing a hall filled with national leaders, senators, former lawmakers, and state chairmen, acknowledged early disruptions to the meeting and apologised for scheduling constraints. He quickly shifted into a hard-hitting reflection on the party's pace, structure, and expectations, warning that the NDC must avoid the mistakes of established parties disconnected from citizens. He described the NDC as a “young but fast-moving political formation” that had gone through conventions, primaries, and internal restructuring processes that typically take older parties years to complete.
“This party is barely months old, yet we have moved through conventions and primaries in a way that even long-established parties struggle with,” he said. “That tells us one thing: we must be prepared for sacrifice.” The former Anambra governor issued a broader critique of elite-driven politics in Nigeria, warning that governance disconnected from citizens would continue to produce national instability.
Chukwuani: Primaries outcome will define NDC
Senatorial aspirant for Enugu East, Mr Okabonye Chukwuani, urged the party leadership to uphold fairness, justice, and internal democracy in resolving disputes from the primaries. He stressed that the decisions taken would shape public perception of the party's commitment to democratic principles. According to him, the credibility of the NDC would not be measured by the absence of disagreements but by its willingness to confront difficult issues and ensure justice prevails.
The aspirant maintained that no individual should benefit from actions that undermine internal democracy, adding that aspirants who complied with the party's directives should not be disadvantaged in the review process. He noted that party members, supporters, and stakeholders nationwide were closely observing developments and would assess whether the party's professed commitment to transparency, accountability, and fairness is reflected in its actions.
Yesufu withdraws, calls for united opposition
Activist and Obi's political ally Aisha Yesufu called for a united opposition front following her withdrawal from the senatorial race for the FCT. Her withdrawal ends her brief bid for the 2027 senatorial election, which began after she declared interest in the FCT seat on May 6, 2026, following her defection from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the NDC. Her decision comes amid indications of internal realignments over the FCT senatorial ticket, with reports suggesting the NDC might have favoured another aspirant.
Despite stepping down, Yesufu continued her grassroots engagements across the FCT's six area councils: Kwali, Abaji, Gwagwalada, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, and Kuje. During the visits, she met party officials, supporters, stakeholders, and residents in what she described as an appreciation tour to thank them for their support. Even as some supporters expressed concern over the party's handling of the senatorial nomination process, despite strong grassroots backing for her candidacy, they maintained that the development would not dampen their resolve to continue mobilising for political reform and improved governance.
