Reuben Abati has cautioned that the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) must guard against turning into a refuge for what he described as “internally displaced politicians,” amid a surge in defections swelling the party’s ranks.
Speaking on The Morning Show on ARISE Television on Tuesday, Abati reacted to the recent entry of prominent political figures, including Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, into the party. He noted that their defection has significantly altered the political momentum around the NDC, positioning it as a formidable opposition platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to him, the party’s membership has witnessed an unprecedented rise within a short period—climbing from approximately 9.4 million to over 10 million—an indication of its growing appeal among politicians and supporters alike. He described the NDC as rapidly becoming the “beautiful bride” in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
Despite acknowledging this momentum, Abati stressed that rapid expansion without ideological grounding could weaken the party’s credibility. He warned that an influx of politicians seeking new platforms must not erode the NDC’s structural coherence or blur its ideological direction.
“The party must not become an IDP camp,” Abati said, arguing that the movement of political actors into the NDC reflects a broader pattern within Nigeria’s political system, where displaced interests often regroup under new platforms.
He further observed that while the party has outlined focus areas such as service delivery, rule of law, agriculture, and transportation, these remain largely generic and insufficient as a defining manifesto. According to him, the NDC must move beyond broad slogans and articulate a clear social contract with the Nigerian electorate.
Abati also described the emergence of the NDC under the leadership of Seriake Dickson as a signal to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), noting that the strengthening of an alternative platform underscores the resilience of opposition politics in the country.
He argued that attempts to weaken opposition parties often lead to realignment rather than disappearance, insisting that political pluralism remains central to Nigeria’s democracy. As the 2027 elections approach, he expressed optimism that increased competition would provide voters with broader choices.
With the entry of high-profile figures like Obi and Kwankwaso, Abati concluded that the NDC has gained considerable political weight, adding that the evolving dynamics within the opposition space are likely to shape a more competitive electoral contest in the coming years.
