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 House Minority Leader, Honourable Victor Afam Ogene, led the lawmakers who were on a courtesy visit to the National Leader of the NDC, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson at his residence in Abuja.
Those in the delegation received by the NDC National Leader included 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.
Present also to welcome the lawmakers alongside the National Leader was the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi; ex 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.
Speaking on behalf of the caucus, Hon. Ogene told the gathering that the visit was to assure the leadership of the party of the commitment of the lawmakers 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 assure you of our commitment to serving the people of Nigeria in line with the motto of our party, ‘Service to the People,’” Ogene said.
The Minority Leader said the caucus would remain focused on accountability and democratic governance in the country.
“We will hold the government of the day accountable to the people in the discharge of this service so that they will render to the Nigerian people the basic necessities associated with democracy and civil rule,” he said.
The NDC is the leading opposition force in the National Assembly, especially in the House of Representatives and the growing numbers would give the party a stronger voice nationally and internationally, Ogene said.
“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 not just in Nigeria but across the world to hold the government to its responsibilities,” he declared.
He further assured the party leadership of the caucus’ unwavering loyalty to the NDC and the Nigerian people.
“We pledge our commitment to you, we pledge our loyalty to the party and we pledge our loyalty to the Nigerian people. “Thank you for receiving us, Your Excellencies,” added Ogene.
In his response on behalf of Senator Dickson and other party leaders, Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso praised the lawmakers for their loyalty and dedication to the party, saying loyalty was 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,” said Kwankwaso.
He thanked the caucus members for identifying with the leadership of the party and lauded their steadfastness.
“We have to thank you for the loyalty, which is, of course, a very rare commodity these days. “We appreciate you and on behalf of the leader and the party, we want to assure you that we will continue to do whatever it takes to carry you along with us so that together, we can succeed,” he said.
He 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.
“I will also use this opportunity to appeal to Nigerians to register with the NDC and also register as voters with INEC. That will give everybody the opportunity to bring about the much-needed positive change that is coming, by the grace of God, in 2027,” he said.
He further charged party members to intensify mobilisation at the grassroots across their constituencies, especially among the youths and supporters of political change.
“I also want to urge our members, all of you to go back to your constituencies, mobilize 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.
