By Jane Salihu
Former Kano State Governor and senior Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has called on Nigerians to register with the NDC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as part of efforts to bring about what he described as the “positive change” expected in the 2027 general elections.
Kwankwaso made the call on Wednesday in Abuja while receiving members of the NDC caucus in the House of Representatives, who paid a courtesy visit to the residence of the party’s National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson.
The delegation was led by the House Minority Leader, Hon. Victor Afam Ogene, and included Hon. George Ozodinobi, Hon. Okey-Joe Onuakalusi, Hon. Lillian Orogbu, Hon. Atta Thaddeous Achief, Hon. Engr. Chijioke Okereke, Hon. Peter Uzokwe, Hon. Murphy Osaro Omoruyi, Hon. Engr. Emeka Idu, Hon. Manuchim Umezurike, Hon. Muktar Umar Zakari, Hon. Yusuf Umar Datti, Hon. Peter Aniekwe and Hon. Uchenna Harris Okonkwo.
Also present at the meeting was Peter Obi, alongside other leaders and members of the party.
Kwankwaso said active participation in party registration and voter registration would enable Nigerians to shape the country’s political future.
“I want to urge Nigerians to ensure that they register with the NDC and also register with INEC as voters. That will give everybody the opportunity to bring the required positive change that is coming by the grace of God in 2027,” he said.
The former presidential candidate also charged party members to return to their constituencies and intensify grassroots mobilisation, particularly among young people and other supporters of political reform.
“I want to urge our members to go back to their constituencies, mobilise our people, especially the young men and women, and the nationalists supporting the change we are talking about in this country,” he added.
Kwankwaso commended the lawmakers for their loyalty to the party, describing loyalty as a rare virtue in Nigeria’s political environment.
“We have to thank you for the loyalty, which is a very rare commodity these days. We appreciate you and want to assure you that the party will continue to do whatever it takes to carry you along so that together we can succeed,” he said.
Earlier, speaking on behalf of the caucus, Hon. Ogene reaffirmed the lawmakers’ commitment to serving Nigerians and strengthening the opposition’s role in the National Assembly.
“This evening, we are here as members of the House of Representatives caucus of the NDC to reassure you of our commitment to serve the people of Nigeria in keeping with the motto of our party, service to the people,” Ogene said.
He stated that the caucus would continue to hold the Federal Government accountable and ensure that Nigerians enjoy the dividends of democracy.
“In rendering this service, we will hold the government of the day accountable to the people so that they will provide the basic necessities associated with democracy and civil rule,” he said.
Ogene said the NDC had emerged as the leading opposition force in the House of Representatives and that the party’s growing numbers would amplify its voice.
“We are now the major opposition party in Parliament, especially in the House of Representatives. With this number, our voice will be strengthened, heard, and will resonate across Nigeria and beyond in holding the government to its responsibilities,” he said.
He also assured the party leadership of the caucus’ unwavering loyalty.
“We assure you of our commitment, our loyalty to the party, and our loyalty to the Nigerian people,” Ogene added
