The Nigeria Democratic Congress has said it has introduced stricter screening measures to prevent political aspirants from taking advantage of the popularity of prominent opposition figures to gain political relevance ahead of future elections.
Speaking on Sunrise Daily, a programme on Channels Television, the spokesman of the party, Osa Director, said the party had learnt important lessons from developments within the Labour Party during the 2023 general elections.
According to him, the NDC is determined to ensure that only credible and politically grounded individuals emerge through its platform.
Director explained that during the party’s screening process, special attention was given to aspirants, particularly individuals from the diaspora who had little or no prior involvement in Nigerian politics but sought to contest under the NDC platform.
“We have learnt from the incident of the past that happened in the Labour Party,” he said, noting that many people appeared interested in the party because they viewed it as a growing alternative political platform.
He suggested that some aspirants may have hoped to benefit from the popularity associated with Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, whose strong support bases influenced political conversations during the 2023 elections.
Director said the party’s screening committee questioned aspirants extensively about their political vision, credibility and grassroots presence before considering them suitable for the platform.
“And if you are not on the ground, who is going to vote for you?” he asked.
He added that the NDC remains committed to building a strong opposition platform capable of offering Nigerians what he described as a credible alternative to the current political situation in the country.
