The Ondo State Chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Kennedy Peretei, has criticised what he described as undue political interference in matters concerning Nigeria’s electoral body, insisting that the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should be allowed to defend himself without external influence.
Speaking during a current affairs programme on Adamimogo 105.1FM, “General Issues” Peretei took aim at Senate President Godswill Akpabio over comments dismissing concerns raised by opposition figures about the credibility of INEC chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan.
Peretei questioned why Akpabio would intervene in a matter he believes should be addressed directly by the electoral umpire. “When did it become the Senate President’s responsibility to speak for INEC?” he asked, arguing that such involvement undermines public confidence and shifts attention from the core issue.
According to him, the controversy surrounding the INEC boss has now widened beyond the individual to include those publicly defending him. “It is no longer just about the chairman; those backing him must also be scrutinised,” he said.
Opposition Must Fix Itself
Beyond the INEC controversy, Peretei dismissed claims that the ruling party is solely responsible for the internal crises rocking opposition parties. Instead, he placed the burden squarely on the opposition, urging better organisation and internal discipline.
Using a vivid analogy, he likened opposition weaknesses to a house left unsecured. “If your gate is open, you cannot blame outsiders for walking in,” he said, stressing that structural lapses make parties vulnerable to infiltration and manipulation.
He also referenced internal disputes within opposition parties, suggesting that due diligence failures and leadership missteps have contributed to their instability.
Wike Crisis and PDP Missteps
Weighing in on the long-running crisis involving former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike, Peretei argued that the situation could have been avoided if the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had made strategic concessions after its presidential primaries.
According to him, Wike’s demand for the party’s national chairmanship was not unreasonable and could have helped unify the party ahead of the elections. “It was a simple political calculation that was ignored,” he noted.
ADC, Primaries and Legal Realities
On developments within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peretei clarified that calls for direct primaries by aspirants are largely redundant, as the party’s constitution already provides a clear pathway.
He explained that consensus candidacy is only valid if all aspirants agree in writing. Otherwise, direct primaries automatically become the default option. He also hinted at ongoing legal uncertainties within the party, noting that court decisions could determine which faction ultimately presents candidates.
From Party-Hopping to NDC Leadership
Addressing concerns about his movement across multiple political parties within a short period, Peretei defended his decisions as responses to unfolding realities rather than impulsive actions.
He revealed that his emergence as NDC chairman in Ondo State was the result of a strategic “headhunt” by the party’s national leadership, which considered his experience in opposition politics and party administration.
“I couldn’t have known what was inside until I got in,” he said, describing his experience in previous parties as eye-opening. “The taste of the pudding is in the eating.”
Elections as the Ultimate Test
Looking ahead, Peretei maintained that electoral performance remains the only true measure of political relevance.
“For politicians, elections are our examinations,” he said, adding that the NDC’s success or failure in upcoming polls will determine its credibility and future direction.
While acknowledging the challenges of building a new party structure within a limited timeframe, he expressed confidence that the NDC can grow into a formidable force if given time.
“We may not get everything right immediately, but give us time and see what we will build,” he said.
