We’ll Match APC Fire-For-Fire In 2027, NDC Vows

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has vowed to match the All Progressives Congress (APC) “fire-for-fire” before, during and after the 2027 general elections, declaring its readiness to defend its votes and pursue victory within the law.

The party’s National Chairman, Senator Cleopas Moses Zuweghe, made the declaration on Saturday, warning against any attempt to undermine the electoral process or prevent the will of the electorate from prevailing.

Zuweghe said the NDC was determined to challenge the ruling party at all levels, insisting that its commitment to the 2027 elections remained firm despite what he described as propaganda suggesting otherwise.

“Our commitment to the elections is sacrosanct. Our resolve is absolute,” he declared.

He said the party had fielded candidates for all elective positions, including the presidency, Senate, House of Representatives, governorship and state houses of assembly.

According to him, the NDC intends to use the elections to remove the APC-led government, which he accused of worsening the living conditions of Nigerians.

The chairman disclosed that the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) would meet on October 20 to ratify key decisions ahead of the elections. Certificates of return would subsequently be presented to its candidates, while the Presidential Campaign Council would also be inaugurated.

On election-day preparations, Zuweghe expressed concern over what he described as misinformation intended to discourage Nigerians from voting. He urged eligible voters not to allow such claims to prevent them from participating in the electoral process.

“We are aware of the misinformation aimed at discouraging Nigerians from coming out to cast their votes. We wish to assure Nigerians, at home and abroad, that all votes shall count,” he said.

He warned those who might attempt to frustrate the electoral process to allow the votes to count, adding that the party would take all measures permitted by law to secure victory.

“Let me reiterate, however, that we shall match the APC fire-for-fire before, during and after the election until May 29, 2027, when, by the grace of God, the NDC presidential candidate and the other candidates of our great party shall be inaugurated in the country,” Zuweghe stated.

The NDC chairman also called on President Bola Tinubu to respect the rules governing the elections, warning that the party was prepared to respond lawfully to any alleged attempt to manipulate the process.

He maintained that election results should be announced by the appropriate electoral officials rather than left for the courts to determine, while expressing confidence in the roles of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary.

“We have resolved that our victory must be announced by presiding officers, not judges or those who cannot do simple arithmetic of addition and subtraction,” he said.

Zuweghe urged security and intelligence agencies to remain impartial throughout the electoral process, stressing that their conduct would be important to public confidence in the elections.

He also appealed to Tinubu to place the country’s interests above personal ambition, citing former President Goodluck Jonathan as an example of a leader who, in his view, prioritised national interest.

“Former President Goodluck Jonathan is a celebrated example of a statesman, not a weak leader,” he added.

On political mobilisation, the NDC chairman thanked Nigerians, particularly young people, who had formed support groups for the party and its candidates ahead of the elections.

He said the party would coordinate the groups to advance its objective of making Nigeria work again. However, he alleged that political opponents were planning to establish fake support groups within the NDC to undermine its activities.

Zuweghe urged those involved in such alleged plans to abandon them, saying the party would remain committed to protecting the country’s constitutional democracy.

He accused the APC administration of failing to address the needs of Nigerians and prioritising wealth accumulation over citizens’ welfare. He said the NDC leadership and its members were determined to make the 2027 elections a turning point for the country.

“Be assured that the national leader of our party, the leadership and indeed all well-meaning party members are committed to ensuring that the 2027 general election removes the clueless, wicked and corrupt government of the APC,” he said.

The NDC chairman concluded by restating the party’s commitment to national renewal, declaring that Nigeria must work again.