The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially commissioned its new national secretariat in Abuja and inaugurated its National Campaign Council, signalling its readiness to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
The commissioning ceremony was led by the NDC National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, alongside key party figures, including its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
The event coincided with the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and a dinner where certificates were presented to candidates contesting elections at all levels.
In his address, Dickson reflected on the party’s rapid growth and political trajectory, referencing the famous quote attributed to Mahatma Gandhi to describe the opposition’s journey: “First, they ignore you; then they mock you; then they attack you; and eventually, you win.”
“Those who initially ignored and mocked us can no longer afford to do so. We have reached the stage of attacks, but we remain resolute in our determination to succeed,” Dickson declared.
He called on party members and candidates to remain resilient and conduct issue-based, non-violent campaigns.
Framing the 2027 elections as a direct referendum on the performance of the governing party, Dickson challenged the electorate to assess their current living conditions against previous years.
“For us, the question is simple: Are the lives of Nigerians better today than they were in 2015, when the APC took over, or even three and a half years ago, in 2023? Are Nigerians safer?” he asked.
“Every election, and every attempt at re-election, is a referendum on the ruling party and its government. This is the question we are taking to Nigerians.”
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Highlighting institutional transparency, the former Bayelsa State governor disclosed that the NDC had publicly declared its revenue and promised to present a formally audited account to the NEC, the public and relevant state institutions by the end of the year.
He emphasised that financial contributions from aspirants, candidates and members continue to sustain the party without reliance on private interests.
Advising candidates against viewing themselves as independent operators, Dickson likened the party structure to a vehicle for collective victory.
“The party is like a horse. Let us strengthen, nourish and train it so that whoever rides it can ride it to victory,” he advised.
Dickson concluded by urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to uphold their statutory duties by ensuring a free, fair and credible electoral process in 2027 that produces results acceptable to all stakeholders.
