From Victor Osula, Abuja
In its plan to become a major political bloc with a strong presence of minorities on the country, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has intensified efforts to build a formidable opposition platform ahead of the 2027 general elections, expanding its outreach to minority political blocs and influential actors across Nigeria’s political landscape.
As part of its strategic consolidation drive, the emerging opposition party is actively co-opting smaller political groups and key stakeholders in a bid to strengthen its national spread and position itself as a viable alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
The national leader of the NDC, Henry Seriake Dickson, disclosed that the party’s ongoing engagements with political leaders across the country are already yielding results, with several high-profile defections and alliances recorded in recent days.
“Today, in continuation of our ongoing engagements with key political leaders from across the country, we had the pleasure of receiving Comrade Babatunde F. Alli, former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), alongside his teeming supporters, into our great party”, Dickson said.
He described Alli as a seasoned political activist mentored by the late Balarabe Musa, noting that the former PRP chieftain devoted over two decades of service to the party. Alli had served twice as National Secretary and most recently as Deputy National Chairman before resigning to join the NDC.
According to Dickson, Alli’s defection was accompanied by several former PRP officers drawn from different states, a development he said underscores growing confidence in the NDC’s vision and political direction.
In recognition of his experience and contribution, Dickson disclosed that the party’s National Working Committee, led by the National Chairman, Moses Cleopas, has confirmed Alli as Deputy National Chairman (South), pending formal ratification at the party’s congress.
The NDC leadership also welcomed Prof. Mohammed Sani Yahaya, alongside former Permanent Secretary, Musa Istiphanus, both from Taraba State. They were received into the party with key political stakeholders from the state and have been tasked with working closely with the state leadership to reposition and strengthen the party’s structure in the region.
Further widening its political net, the party announced the defection of Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma, a former member of the House of Representatives and ex-official of the Federal Code of Conduct Bureau, described as a notable political figure in Edo State.
Dickson expressed appreciation to the new entrants for aligning with the NDC’s vision, urging them to deploy their experience, networks, and political capital toward building a stronger, more inclusive party.
“We thank all of them for believing in the vision of the NDC and urge them to commit their energy, experience, and networks toward building a stronger party that can offer credible leadership and a better future for Nigeria”, he stated.
Political observers say the NDC’s growing coalition-building efforts signal an emerging realignment within Nigeria’s opposition space, with the party positioning itself to harness grassroots support and elite alliances in its quest to reshape the country’s political landscape ahead of 2027.
