2027: S’East NDC inaugurates patrons, BOT for FCT, targets stronger mobilisation
By Naomi Sharang
The South-East chapter of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has inaugurated its Patrons and Board of Trustees for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to strengthen mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the inauguration, held at the NDC National Secretariat in Abuja, was organised under the theme: “A Better Nigeria is Possible,” with party leaders, members, supporters and other stakeholders in attendance.
Chairman of South-East NDC-FCT, Mr Mike Nwosu, said the initiative was aimed at bringing people of South-East extraction together and building a stronger political structure across the FCT ahead of elections.
Nwosu said the newly-inaugurated patrons and trustees would provide guidance, experience and institutional support, as the group expanded its activities across all six area councils in the FCT.
He said the group had established structures across the area councils and was working to mobilise a large number of South-East indigenes resident in the FCT for political participation.
“We have toured round six area councils, and we have members. Between now and October or November, we are going to assemble not less than one million Igbos,” he said.
Nwosu said the group’s objective went beyond political mobilisation, stressing the need to foster unity among Nigerians and contribute to the broader development of the country and its people nationwide.
“It is not about Igbo. It is all about Nigeria. We want credible leadership committed to service, capable of addressing the country’s challenges,” he said.
He said that the inauguration of the patrons and board of trustees was necessary to benefit from established professionals, business leaders and other prominent members of the community in FCT.
Nwosu said that their experience would help provide direction, counsel and institutional guidance to the group as it pursued its organisational and political objectives across the FCT and surrounding communities.
Chairman, Patrons of South-East NDC-FCT, Mr Udah Joel, said using “South-East” rather than “Igbo” was appropriate because the geo-political zone comprised different indigenous communities in the FCT.
Joel said the broader designation would promote inclusion and give people across the region a sense of belonging, while encouraging cooperation among communities within the region.
He also called on Nigerians to promote unity and reject divisions based on ethnic and religious differences, saying the country needed leadership that would serve the interests of all citizens.
According to him, his experience serving in different parts of Northern Nigeria showed that Nigerians across ethnic and regional lines could live, work and cooperate peacefully across the country.
Joel attributed the challenges facing Nigeria to corruption and lack of mutual trust, urging citizens to support efforts toward building a more united country.
He commended the leadership of South-East NDC-FCT for organising the inauguration, describing the patrons and board of trustees as avenues for drawing from experienced and respected Nigerians.
Also speaking, National Vice Chairman (North-Central) of NDC, Mr Barnabas Ejisi, urged Nigerians to embrace unity and sacrifice in pursuit of national development and progress.
Ejisi commended the ADC leadership, particularly its founder, Sen. Seriake Dickson, and Chairman, Sen. Moses Cleopas, for providing direction and momentum since the party’s registration and national development.
He said that his decision to leave Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and join NDC was driven by his belief in its promise, having previously served under the late Chief Solomon Lar.
Ejisi urged party members and political stakeholders to avoid actions capable of weakening collective efforts, saying the gathering demonstrated the importance of unity, sacrifice and experienced leadership across Nigeria.
NAN reports that the event was attended by NDC leaders and members in the FCT, patrons, trustees, supporters and other invited guests.(NAN)
NNL/WAS
Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq