By Aderogba George
A chieftain of the Obidient OK Coalition, Chief Odinaka Emejuru, has urged Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidates to engage grassroots support groups ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Emejuru, the coalition’s Orlu Zonal Coordinator, made the call in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.
He said candidates should not rely solely on Peter Obi’s popularity but demonstrate commitment to the grassroots structures associated with the Obidient Movement.
Emejuru said the coalition had learnt lessons from the 2023 general elections, when some politicians who benefited from Obi’s popularity later defected to other parties.
He said the experience underscored the need to consider candidates’ character, antecedents and commitment before supporting their electoral ambitions.
The coordinator expressed concern that some NDC candidates in Imo and other states had yet to demonstrate sufficient engagement with established Obidient support groups.
He acknowledged candidates’ right to organise their campaigns but said their engagement with grassroots structures would be a factor in determining the coalition’s support.
Emejuru urged NDC candidates and Obidient supporters contesting on other party platforms to strengthen their relationships with the coalition’s structures in their constituencies.
He said candidates should not take the coalition’s support for granted ahead of the 2027 elections. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
Edited by Tosin Kolade
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