imoh innocent

Today, we held a series of party activities, beginning with the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, followed by the commissioning of the new national secretariat of our great party, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). I had the honour and pleasure of commissioning the secretariat, with the support of our presidential candidate, His Excellency Peter Obi, CON, his running mate, Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, CON, the National Chairman and other leaders of our party. This evening, we also formally inaugurated the National Campaign Council of the NDC and presented certificates to our candidates at a dinner. These events showcased the strength of our party and our determination to compete and win elections at all levels, from the presidency to the State Houses of Assembly. In my remarks, I thanked Almighty God, reflecting on how this party began. I also thanked our presidential candidate, his running mate, all our candidates and aspirants for believing in the vision of the NDC. I expressed my appreciation to Nigerians for their encouragement, prayers and support, as well as to our members, state chairmen, members of the National Working Committee and the NEC, whose sacrifices have contributed to the party’s growth. When we started, many people did not give us a chance. As I said, in every struggle, first, they ignore you; then they mock you; then they attack you; and eventually, you win. That was the quotation attributed to Mahatma Gandhi that I referred to in my remarks. 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. I therefore call on all our members and candidates to remain resilient and conduct issue-based, violence-free election campaigns. 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? 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 as we prepare for the 2027 elections. One of our principal objectives in building the NDC is to establish an institution that is bigger and greater than any one of us, an institution that will endure for posterity. We are determined to set standards and build a party that is accountable to its members and the Nigerian people. I thank all those who have contributed to this vision, particularly our aspirants and candidates who purchased nomination forms and made donations. Their contributions are sustaining the party. I do not earn a dime from the NDC. My role has been to provide guidance, help build standards and promote transparency. Today, the NDC unveiled another uncommon initiative by publicly declaring its revenue. By the end of this year, a formally audited account will be presented to the NEC, the public and the relevant institutions of state. Without the sacrifices and financial contributions of our members and candidates, this party would not have come this far, especially given that we started without substantial financial resources. I thank them for their partnership and confidence in our mission. My message to all our aspirants and candidates is that they must work with the party. They are not contesting as independent candidates. The party is like a horse. Let us strengthen, nourish and train it so that whoever rides it can ride it to victory. I also call on INEC and all relevant government agencies to sanitise the electoral process and work towards delivering free, fair and credible elections in 2027. The outcome must be credible and acceptable, including to those who lose.