A broadcaster with Arise Television, Rufai Oseni, has said he intends to rigorously scrutinise the Nigerian Democratic Congress and its prospective presidential candidate as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections gather momentum.
Speaking on Wednesday, Oseni emphasised that the party must clearly communicate its policy direction and governance plans to Nigerians, noting that political momentum driven by defections is not enough to win public trust.
He insisted that the NDC needs to present a well-defined ethos and manifesto within a short timeframe, especially as it prepares to select a presidential flagbearer.
Oseni said: “The only challenge I see is on the NDC now to be able to tell us what they’re going to do for the Nigerian people, and that’s what I’m going to scrutinize them based on.
“And the party should be able to have ethos and manifesto in the next couple of days. So as they try to get whoever is going to be their presidential candidate, they should tell us what they are going to do for Nigerians.
“Yes, people are already defecting. They have momentum. It’s not just about momentum. It’s not about to talk about anyway. I’ve not verified the 10 million registration. I mean, I don’t talk about things I’ve not verified, but there’s been some mass move from the house.”
He further revealed that he plans to interview Peter Obi, stressing that the former governor must provide clear and detailed policy frameworks addressing critical national issues.
“They need to be able to come out with a rigorous plan. And these are the things that I will scrutinize Mr. Peter Obi on. I would like to interview him anytime soon on this platform. He needs to be able to come out with the rigorous plan because we will press his neck.
“We have to be more hard on him. You say you want to change this country and everything, you have to show workings because Nigeria is in dire stress. There are lots of challenges. What are they going to do about forex? What are they going to do about subsidy? What are they going to do about foreign exchange? What are they going to do about social capital? What are they going to do about welfare scheme for the people?”
Oseni maintained that the scrutiny would not be limited to individuals but would also apply to the party’s broader policy framework and governance philosophy.
“These are things I want to see from the NDC, if I don’t see it in the next couple of days, I will be the biggest antagonist.
“Now you’ve done the policy and everything. This is the time to come up because the integrity of the country we want to build. We can’t build a joke as a country.
“So we will press your neck, NDC. If you don’t show us where the party is going, in terms of provision for the people and what Nigerians should be asking, we will press your neck, Mr Peter Obi. We will demand accountability.”
