Veteran journalist and former presidential spokesman Reuben Abati has raised concerns about the rapid expansion of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), cautioning that the party must avoid turning into a sanctuary for displaced politicians. Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Tuesday, Abati highlighted that the NDC’s membership has skyrocketed from approximately 9.4 million to over 10 million in a short span, fueled by the recent defections of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Abati acknowledged that the influx of prominent figures has bolstered the party’s profile, positioning it as a formidable opposition force ahead of the 2027 elections. However, he warned that without a clear ideological framework and structured engagement, the NDC risks becoming an “IDP camp”—a haven for internally displaced politicians seeking refuge rather than a vehicle for genuine change. He emphasized that the party must articulate a concrete manifesto and establish a meaningful contract with Nigerians, rather than relying on vague slogans about service, rule of law, agriculture, and transportation.
According to Abati, the NDC’s sudden popularity serves as a wake-up call for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), signaling that opposition cannot be suppressed. He noted that attempts to stifle dissent in other parties would only drive politicians to regroup elsewhere. Abati expressed hope that the political landscape ahead of 2027 would be competitive, offering voters real choices rather than a predetermined outcome. He praised Obi and Kwankwaso for bringing “heft, peace, and momentum” to the NDC, but reiterated that the party must engage meaningfully with the electorate to avoid being dismissed as a mere collection of disgruntled politicians.