Cleopas Urges Unity, Humility as NDC Attracts Political Heavyweights

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The National Chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Moses Cleopas, has called for unity and humility among new and intending members as the party continues to draw high-profile politicians from across the country.

Cleopas made the appeal on Saturday in Abuja while receiving a fresh set of defectors, including former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Babatunde Alli; the 2023 governorship candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Taraba State, Mohammed Sani Yahaya; and former member of the House of Representatives, Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma.

The entrants, who arrived with their supporters and political structures, were formally integrated into the party, showing what could be described as the NDC’s growing attraction as politicians from troubled platforms seek a more stable alternative ahead of the 2027 elections.

Addressing the gathering, Cleopas said the party’s openness should not be mistaken for a lack of structure, stressing that discipline and respect for laid-down rules remain non-negotiable.

“As you are coming in, be humble. Seek to understand the core ideas of this family and live by them,” he said, warning against attitudes that could undermine internal cohesion. “No one should come in and think they are better than those who built this party.”

He noted that similar tendencies had contributed to crises in other political parties, adding that the NDC was determined to avoid such pitfalls by upholding its values and organisational standards.

The chairman described the party as one built on dialogue, inclusiveness, and shared purpose, where disagreements are resolved through constructive engagement without jeopardising unity.

Also speaking, the party’s National Leader, Henry Seriake Dickson, welcomed the new members and charged them to deploy their experience and networks to strengthen the party at the grassroots.

“We expect you to contribute your knowledge and capacity to mobilise support for our party and its progressive agenda,” he said, urging them to integrate fully into their respective state structures.

Dickson emphasised that political success would depend on sustained grassroots mobilisation, calling on the defectors to take the party’s message back to their communities.

“All politics is local. Go back, organise, mobilise, and nurture the structure. That is how we win elections,” he added.

Explaining his decision to leave the PRP, Alli cited internal challenges that, according to him, weakened inclusiveness and fair participation.

“Every political party needs inclusivity, youth participation, and fair processes. When those principles are weakened, it becomes difficult for some of us to remain,” he said, expressing optimism about the NDC’s direction.

Yahaya, on his part, declared that his political base in Taraba State had fully aligned with the party, pledging total commitment to its growth ahead of future elections.

“From the polling unit to the state level, we are joining the NDC in total. What remains is to complete the structure,” he said.

Agbonayinma also pointed to national challenges as a motivation for his move, describing the NDC as a credible platform for change.

“Nigeria is bleeding and searching for direction. I believe the NDC offers a platform for renewal and restoring hope,” he said.

Saturday’s reception marks another step in the NDC’s expansion drive, as it continues to attract political figures seeking new alignments in an increasingly fluid political landscape.