Members of the caucus of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, in the House of Representatives on Wednesday reaffirmed their loyalty to the party and pledged to hold the Federal Government accountable as the opposition bloc positions itself ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The lawmakers, led by the House Minority Leader, Honourable Victor Afam Ogene, paid a courtesy visit to the National Leader of the NDC, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, at his residence in Abuja.
Among those in the delegation received by the NDC National Leader were Honourable George Ozodinobi, Honourable Okey-Joe Onuakalusi, Honourable Lillian Orogbu, Honourable Atta Thaddeous Achief, Honourable Engineer Chijioke Okereke, Honourable Peter Ozokwe, Honourable Murphy Osaro Omoruyi, Honourable Engineer Emeka Idu, Honourable Manuchim Omezuruike, Honourable Muktar Umar Zakari, Honourable Yusuf Umar Datti, Honourable Peter Aniekwe, and Honourable Uchenna Harris Okonkwo.
Also on hand to receive the lawmakers alongside the National Leader were the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi; former Kano State Governor, who also flew the flag of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the 2023 presidential poll, Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; and other leaders and members of the NDC.
Addressing the gathering on behalf of the caucus, Hon. Ogene said the visit was aimed at reassuring the leadership of the party of the lawmakers’ commitment to the ideals of the NDC and their determination to serve Nigerians through effective opposition politics.
“This evening, we are here as members of the House of Representatives Caucus of the NDC to reassure you of our commitment to serve the people of Nigeria in keeping with the motto of our party, ‘Service to the People,’” Ogene stated.
The Minority Leader stressed that the caucus would remain focused on ensuring accountability and democratic governance in the country.
“In rendering this service, we will hold the government of the day accountable to the people so that they would render to the Nigerian people the basic necessities associated with democracy and civil rule,” he said.
Ogene described the NDC as the leading opposition force in the National Assembly, particularly in the House of Representatives, adding that the party’s growing numbers would strengthen its voice nationally and internationally.
“Your Excellencies, we are now the major opposition party in Parliament, especially the House of Representatives from where we operate, and with this number our voice will be strengthened. It will be heard, it will reverberate across not just Nigeria but across the world to hold the government to its responsibilities,” he declared.
He further assured the party leadership of the caucus’ unwavering allegiance to both the NDC and the Nigerian people.
“We assure you of our commitment, we assure you of our loyalty to the party, and we assure you of our loyalty to the Nigerian people. Thank you for receiving us, Your Excellencies,” Ogene added.
Responding on behalf of Senator Dickson and other party leaders, Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso commended the lawmakers for their loyalty and dedication to the party, describing loyalty as a rare virtue in contemporary Nigerian politics.
“Your Excellency, the leader of our party, the NDC, Senator Dickson; Your Excellency, the former Governor of Anambra State, Chief Peter O’Dea; Honourable members, Your Excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, members of the press, on behalf of my humble self, the leader, and of course the former Governor of Anambra State, and all other leaders, the young men and women who are here, I would like to welcome you to the Leader’s House,” Kwankwaso said.
He thanked the caucus members for identifying with the leadership of the party and praised their steadfastness.
“We have to thank you for the loyalty, which of course is a very rare commodity these days. We appreciate you and we want to assure you on behalf of the leader and the party that we’ll continue to do whatever it takes to carry you with us so that together we can succeed,” he stated.
Kwankwaso also used the occasion to call on Nigerians to register with the NDC and participate actively in the electoral process ahead of the next general elections.
“Let me take the opportunity also to urge Nigerians to ensure that they register with the NDC and also register with INEC as voters. That will give everybody the opportunity to bring about the required positive change that is coming, by the grace of God, in 2027,” he said.
The former Kano governor further charged party members to intensify grassroots mobilisation across their constituencies, particularly among youths and supporters of political change.
“I also want to urge our members, all of you, to go back to your constituencies, mobilise our people, especially the young men and women, and of course the nationalists who are supporting the change we are talking about in this country,” Kwankwaso added.