Yemi Obafemi
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) says it has tightened its screening process to stop opportunistic politicians from exploiting the popularity of major political figures to secure elective positions ahead of future elections.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, the party’s spokesman, Osa Director, said the NDC has adopted stricter measures to ensure only loyal and credible aspirants emerge under its platform.
According to him, the party drew lessons from the 2023 general elections, when several relatively unknown politicians joined opposition parties and later defected after winning elections.
Director said the NDC noticed a surge in interest from individuals, including Nigerians in the diaspora with little political background, seeking nomination forms under the party’s platform.
He stated that the party subjected aspirants to detailed scrutiny during the screening exercise, focusing on their political history, vision, and level of grassroots involvement.
The NDC spokesman added that aspirants without a verifiable track record or commitment to the party’s ideals would not be considered for tickets.
He maintained that the party was determined to avoid a repeat of situations where politicians used smaller opposition platforms as stepping stones before moving to larger ruling parties.
Peter Obi contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party, while Rabiu Kwankwaso flew the flag of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
Ahead of that election, several little-known politicians joined both parties and secured tickets, but many later defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) after the polls.
Director said the NDC was determined not to repeat what he described as “the mistakes of the past.”
