The National Publicity Secretary of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Osa Director, has called on Nigerians to support the party in the 2027 general election, describing it as the most credible alternative for the country’s future.

Speaking during an interview on Symfoni TV, Director said the NDC is offering Nigerians a leadership team with what he described as verifiable records of public service, integrity, and experience.

According to him, the party’s leadership comprises individuals whose contributions to governance and national development are already in the public domain, making it easier for Nigerians to assess their suitability for public office.

Among those he highlighted were the NDC’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi; vice-presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; former Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson; the party’s National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas; and other national officers.

Director maintained that the NDC’s leadership is built on accountability, transparency, and competence, arguing that these qualities distinguish the party from its political rivals.

“Our leaders have established records that Nigerians can verify. We are asking Nigerians to judge us based on our pedigree, our performance in public service, and our commitment to national development,” he said during the interview.

He urged voters to evaluate political parties based on their leadership quality, governance track record, and policy direction rather than campaign rhetoric.

The NDC spokesperson also said the party remains committed to addressing Nigeria’s economic, security, and governance challenges through policies aimed at promoting national unity, institutional reforms, and sustainable development.

His comments come as political parties continue to intensify consultations and public engagement ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The NDC has in recent months positioned itself as one of the major opposition platforms seeking to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next presidential election.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the APC nor other political parties had officially responded to Director’s remarks.

Political analysts note that as the election season gathers momentum, parties are expected to increasingly highlight their strengths while seeking to persuade voters through policy proposals, campaign messages, and public debates.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North Senatorial District, has attributed the victory of Peter Obi over President Bola Tinubu in Lagos State during the 2023 presidential election to public anger over the naira redesign policy and economic hardship experienced during the final months of the Muhammadu Buhari administration.

Oshiomhole said the controversial currency redesign introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) under former Governor Godwin Emefiele contributed to widespread frustration among voters, which he claimed influenced election outcomes in some areas.

The former Edo State governor argued that the cash shortage and difficulties experienced by Nigerians during the implementation of the naira redesign policy affected public perception of the government at the time.

According to him, the hardship created by the policy played a role in shaping voter decisions during the 2023 election, including in Lagos, where Obi of the Labour Party (LP) defeated Tinubu, who was the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In the 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi recorded a significant victory in Lagos State, defeating Tinubu, who had previously served as governor of the state and maintained strong political influence there.

The result attracted widespread attention because Lagos had historically been considered one of Tinubu’s strongest political bases.

The naira redesign policy introduced new ₦200, ₦500 and ₦1,000 notes, with the CBN citing the need to improve currency management, reduce cash-based transactions and tackle illicit financial activities.

However, the implementation process was criticised by many Nigerians due to severe cash shortages, long queues at banks and difficulties accessing money during the period leading to the election.

The policy also generated political controversy, with several stakeholders questioning its timing and impact on citizens.

Oshiomhole’s comments have added to ongoing discussions about the factors that influenced the 2023 election results and the political lessons parties may draw ahead of future elections.

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani is reportedly set to nominate a Christian from Southern Kaduna as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election, signalling a departure from the Muslim-Muslim ticket adopted during the 2023 election.

The development comes as political parties intensify preparations ahead of the deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the submission of governorship candidates and their running mates.

According to emerging reports, Governor Sani has decided to select a deputy governorship candidate from the Southern Kaduna Senatorial District, a region predominantly inhabited by Christian communities.

If confirmed, the move would mark a return to a religiously balanced governorship ticket in Kaduna State.

However, as of the time of filing this report, the governor had not officially announced the identity of his preferred running mate.

Political parties are racing to finalise their tickets as INEC’s deadline for the submission of candidates approaches.

Party leaders across the country have continued consultations aimed at balancing political, regional and religious considerations ahead of the 2027 elections.

Southern Kaduna has long played a significant role in the state’s political landscape, with calls for greater inclusion in governance featuring prominently in political discussions over the years.

Political observers believe the choice of a running mate from the zone could influence voter perceptions and campaign dynamics in the build-up to the election.

While reports indicate that Governor Sani has settled on a Christian running mate, the Kaduna State Government and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had not issued an official statement confirming the decision at the time of publication.

Further details are expected once the party formally submits its governorship ticket to INEC.

The composition of governorship tickets often reflects broader political strategies aimed at promoting inclusion and strengthening electoral support.

Any change to Kaduna’s ticket will likely attract attention as political parties prepare for the 2027 general elections.