Today, I met with members of the NDC Screening Committee, made up of party leaders, professionals, as well as members of the National Working Committee, set up to interface with aspirants seeking our party’s tickets for the various elective offices.
During the meeting, I expressed my delight at the remarkable growth of the NDC and the increasing confidence Nigerians across the country continue to place in our party. I noted that the large number of aspirants seeking to contest on the platform of the NDC for various offices is a clear indication that the party has become a credible alternative platform for democratic change and national renewal.
I reminded members of the committee that their responsibility is a very important one and urged them to approach the assignment with fairness, wisdom, and a proper understanding of the local political realities in every state and constituency. I emphasized that the committee should not see itself as a panel for arbitrary disqualification, but rather as a body that will engage aspirants constructively, encourage consensus in cases where there is more than one aspirant in order to avoid rancorous primaries, and prepare comprehensive reports that will guide the party in its eventual selection process.
I also reiterated that in the NDC, tickets will not be gifted arbitrarily, as our party remains committed to consultation, merit, competence, and the wishes of stakeholders and the electorate at the grassroots.
I thanked all aspirants for their trust and belief in the NDC and assured them that they remain valued stakeholders in the movement we are collectively building. I also thanked members of the Screening Committee, who are highly respected and experienced individuals, for undertaking this important assignment.
It was also a pleasure to receive NDC stakeholders from Rivers State, with whom I had a productive interaction. I encouraged them to continue to uphold the ideals and vision of the NDC while working diligently to strengthen the party’s structure across the state ahead of the election season.
The future of our party depends greatly on our ability to build a transparent, inclusive, and people-oriented political culture. With the commitment and sacrifice of our members across the country, we remain confident that the NDC will continue to grow stronger and offer Nigerians the credible leadership they desire.
Again, I thank the members of the committee for their sacrifice and for bringing their wealth of experience to bear on this important assignment.
-HSD
Fellow Compatriots,
Today, as I have consistently done in recent weeks and months, I had the pleasure, in the company of His Excellency Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, CON, to receive Senator Mohammed Hassan from Yobe State, alongside other political leaders and stakeholders from the state who have joined our great party. I also received High Chief Peter Ojemen (Don P) MFR, the Okodalo of Esanland from Edo State, and several other patriots who came to identify with the vision of the NDC and who are passionate about the survival of multi-party democracy, inclusive governance, and a culture of robust but civilized political engagement—values I have always lived by.
In all my interactions, I took time to clearly explain the vision and ideals of the NDC as an ideological political party driven by the mission to entrench politics of service. I have equally emphasised to other opposition leaders that the NDC was not established to supplant or weaken any opposition party, nor to divide the opposition. Rather, from inception, our goal has been to provide an alternative platform—an umbrella now for all opposition parties and well-meaning Nigerians, especially in the face of a strangulating and suffocating political environment.
Our doors remain open to all members of opposition parties and even aggrieved members of the ruling party—because we are all Nigerians, with the constitutional freedom to join political parties of our choice without coercion, inducement, or intimidation by anyone.
I assure all who join us that they will be well-received with fairness, respect, and given the freedom to pursue their political aspirations within the framework of our constitution.
In this regard, I call on all members and supporters of the NDC to refrain from casting aspersions on leading opposition figures. We must see ourselves, whether in the ADC, APM, or other genuine opposition parties, as belonging to one political family. I also call on supporters and advocates of the ADC to avoid rhetoric that seeks to tarnish the image or reputation of leading members of the NDC, or any other opposition party.
The challenges before us are profound. We operate within a difficult political climate marked by intimidation, persecution, and victimization from key institutions of government. Yet, from our various political domains, we must rise to the occasion and overcome these immense odds—to put our parties in order and work collectively towards building a National Salvation Programme that will rescue the nation from the failed policies of the APC-led government, which has, since 2015, taken Nigeria backwards.
This is not the time for division or needless attacks. We cannot afford to undermine one another or engage in self-destructive politics. The moment demands unity, sacrifice, and a shared sense of purpose. We must work harder, carry greater responsibility, and remain steadfast in our collective resolve.
I call on all NDC zonal, state, and local government chairmen, and indeed all leaders of our great party, to warmly accommodate everyone who seeks to join and participate in the affairs of the party, as the NDC belongs to all Nigerians.
I thank Nigerians for their continued support and confidence in the NDC. Your trust remains our greatest strength and motivation.
May God continue to guide and bless our steps.
~HSD
Today, in the company of our party officials, I received the former Deputy Governor of Gombe State, His Excellency John Yoriyo, alongside his delegation, who formally joined the NDC and pledged their support for our vision and movement.
I was also pleased to receive Hon. Charity Iguodalo Aiguobarueghian, the Minority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, together with a large delegation of Assembly members from Edo State. Notably among them was Hon. Natasha Osawaru-Idibia, accompanied by her husband, the renowned musical icon Innocent Idibia (2Baba), who paid a courtesy visit to declare their support for the NDC and formally join the party.
Other political figures whom I had earlier received, but had the pleasure of formally presenting with our party membership cards on this occasion, symbolising their full integration into the party, included High Chief Peter Ojemen (Don P), the Okodalo of Esanland from Edo State, Dr. Aisha Yesufu, and many others.
I urged them all to remain steadfast and committed to supporting and building the NDC as we continue to offer Nigerians a credible and people-oriented political alternative.
I thank Nigerians across the country for their continued support, confidence, and prayers. The NDC remains the main opposition party in the current political landscape of our country, and we welcome all Nigerians, irrespective of previous political affiliations, to join and support this growing national movement.
NDC, service to the people!
~HSD
Yesterday, I received a number of political figures, leaders and stakeholders from across the country who paid courtesy visits and pledged their support for the NDC.
I thank all Nigerians for their growing support, trust, and confidence in our vision. It is this belief in what we are building together that continues to inspire and strengthen our collective resolve.
We remain committed to building a credible platform for national unity, progress, and good governance for all.
~HSD
"The condition of our nation and the urgent need to rescue Nigeria, informed my decision to leave ADC for NDC."
Yesterday, I formally joined the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), alongside my dear brother, Engr. Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, with one clear purpose: to continue the struggle for a new Nigeria built on justice, competence, accountability, and compassion for the ordinary Nigerian.
As I stated yesterday, this decision was not made out of anger, personal ambition, or convenience. It came after deep reflection on the present condition of our nation and the urgent need to rescue Nigeria from the dangerous path it is currently heading.
Over the years, I have remained steadfast in my conviction that politics should never be about individuals, positions, or personal gain. It must be about the people, especially the millions of Nigerians who today can no longer afford necessities, whose businesses are collapsing, whose children are losing hope, and whose future is becoming increasingly uncertain.
I left the ADC for the same reason I left the Labour Party: the severe, orchestrated litigation and internal crises deliberately designed to ensure that I, alongside many other notable individuals, do not effectively participate in the electoral process. I sincerely appreciate and remain deeply grateful to the Leadership of ADC for the opportunity to work together in pursuit of a better Nigeria. I am particularly grateful to ADC Chairman Senator David Mark for his exceptional Leadership. I also deeply appreciate my Leader and elder brother YE, Atiku Abubakar, as well as other respected leaders within the party.
As we join the NDC, I sincerely appeal to the Nigerian Government against the encouragement of unresolved litigations and the infusion of crises within political parties. Democracy must never become a weapon against the people. A healthy democracy thrives on strong institutions, credible alternatives, and the freedom of citizens to make choices without intimidation, manipulation, or fear. Opposition parties must not be weakened or destroyed, because when democracy loses balance, the people ultimately suffer.
Nigeria today is passing through one of the most difficult periods in its history. Poverty is rising. Hunger is widespread. Insecurity continues to threaten lives and livelihoods. Businesses are shutting down daily. Our young people are becoming discouraged, and many citizens have lost faith in the system. At a time like this, leadership must be driven not by propaganda or division, but by competence, capacity, character, and compassion.
Our decision to join the NDC is therefore not an abandonment of values, but a continuation of the same mission we have always stood for: building a Nigeria where leadership is about service, where public resources are managed responsibly, where institutions function independently, and where every Nigerian, regardless of tribe, religion, region, or social status, can live with dignity, security, and hope.
I remain committed to working with all Nigerians of goodwill across political, ethnic, and religious lines. The task before us is bigger than any individual or political party. It is about the future of our children and the survival of our dear nation.
I thank Nigerians, especially our youths and women, for remaining peaceful, resilient, and hopeful despite the enormous challenges confronting the country. I urge you not to lose faith in Nigeria. Nations do not change because people surrender to hopelessness; they change because people continue to believe, continue to sacrifice, and continue to stand for what is right.
A new Nigeria is still POssible. -PO
To celebrate today’s NDC gathering, verified and unverified Obidients, drop your handles below so we can connect and strengthen our network as we prepare for the task ahead of the 2027 elections.
Yesterday, we took a bold and decisive step by formally joining the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
At the residence of Senator Seriake Dickson in Abuja, I announced that our decision stems from a deep commitment to democratic values.
We are determined to provide our people with a credible platform where they can thrive and realise their full potential.
I therefore call on all our dedicated supporters and well-meaning Nigerians to join the NDC and stand with us in this renewed fight for good governance and true democracy. - RMK