By CHARLES CHIJIOKE
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga has criticised the newly formed Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), alleging that the opposition platform has failed to present any concrete policy direction or ideological blueprint for Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a strongly worded statement shared on Saturday, Onanuga said he visited the NDC’s website on two occasions in recent days in search of the party’s manifesto and governance agenda but found no substantive policy document.
According to him, attempts to access the manifesto through the party’s website repeatedly returned the message: “No document found.”
The presidential aide described the development as disappointing, especially for a party that has recently attracted prominent opposition figures such as Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso after their reported exit from the ADC political coalition.
“I was interested in the party’s manifesto and whether it has enunciated a markedly different vision for the governance of Nigeria, one better than President Tinubu’s and the APC’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” Onanuga stated.
“I was disappointed. Even though the site invited visitors to click on its manifesto to read it, the result was negative. ‘No document found’ was the response I got each time I tried to download the manifesto.”
Onanuga further argued that the six policy “pillars” currently displayed by the party do not amount to a coherent ideological framework, insisting they resemble “platitudes” rather than actionable governance proposals.
“The party whose national leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, said would wage an ideological battle in the 2027 poll has not uploaded any manifesto since it was court-registered in February,” he wrote.
“What it flaunts are six policy nuggets that it characterised as pillars. However, the nuggets don’t read like pillars. They sound more like the platitudes the party’s newest catch, Peter Obi, has bombarded the nation with in the last six years.”
The remarks signal a fresh escalation in political hostilities ahead of the 2027 elections, as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) moves to challenge the credibility and preparedness of emerging opposition alliances.
The NDC has recently gained attention following speculation that several opposition figures dissatisfied with existing coalition talks may use the platform to mount a major challenge against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC in 2027.
However, critics within the ruling party argue that opposition realignments remain personality-driven and lack detailed policy alternatives capable of convincing Nigerians.
Onanuga ended his criticism with a direct challenge to former Bayelsa governor and NDC leader Seriake Dickson.
“Senator Dickson, I look forward to your vision and mission for Nigeria, as your party appears to be the camp for the politically displaced and desperate,” he said.
Political observers say the controversy could intensify scrutiny on opposition parties to unveil detailed economic, security and governance plans as political alignments ahead of the 2027 elections continue to evolve.
