Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has been urged to remain in the party and continue fighting for its recognition, according to Sumner Sambo, political editor of Arise News. Sambo made the appeal during a live interview on Arise Television’s ‘Morning Show’ on Monday, following a recent court decision that overturned a previous ruling in favour of the NDC’s registration. The Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, had initially directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC as a political party, but later set aside that judgment, creating uncertainty for the party’s participation in upcoming elections.
Sambo questioned the recurring pattern of challenges Obi faces whenever he joins a political party. He pointed out that Obi has been targeted in the past, from his time in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Labour Party and later the African Democratic Congress (ADC). “Why is it that anytime Peter Obi gets into one party, there seems to be a decision or an abrupt measure to escalate problems in that party, or to ensure that the party doesn’t compete in the elections?” Sambo asked. He emphasized that Obi should not be discouraged by these obstacles but should instead remain committed to the NDC and fight for its legitimacy.
The political editor argued that Obi’s experience with political resistance makes him uniquely aware of the challenges ahead. “Obi himself knows it, and this is the time for him to stay in the NDC and fight, not to start thinking of leaving the NDC,” Sambo stated. He urged Obi to use his influence and political credibility to lead the party through the legal and administrative hurdles. “He should stay in the NDC and make sure that he fights it out and come out victorious,” he added.
Sambo also warned that leaving the NDC would not guarantee safety from political attacks. “If they pursued him from the PDP to Labour Party, and then to the African Democratic Congress, ADC, what makes him think that if he leaves the NDC, that they won’t fight him again?” he questioned. He stressed that Obi’s presence in the NDC is crucial to the party’s survival and success. “It’s already too late, so let him stay in the NDC, show his political credentials, and then fight it out,” Sambo concluded.
The NDC’s legal battle for registration remains unresolved, and its ability to field candidates in the next elections hangs in the balance. As the political landscape continues to shift, Obi’s decision on whether to stay or leave the party will have significant implications for his presidential ambitions and the broader opposition movement in Nigeria. The coming weeks will likely determine whether the NDC can overcome legal challenges and emerge as a credible force in Nigerian politics.
Leave a Comment