Nigeria’s political space is witnessing fresh alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the National Democratic Coalition (NDC) positioning itself as a broad, inclusive platform for opposition figures seeking to challenge the ruling party.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE News, former APC chieftain, Chief Asukewe Ikowaji, who recently defected to the NDC, said the party is deliberately opening its structure to accommodate politicians across divides as part of a wider coalition-building strategy.
“The door of NDC is open for everybody,” he said.
Ikowaji explained that his move to the NDC followed extensive consultations with political stakeholders, signaling what he described as a collective effort rather than an individual defection.
“The reason of moving into NDC is because after due consultations… that is what gave birth for us to go to NDC,” he said.
According to him, the NDC’s structure is built around inclusivity, offering representation across different groups within society, which he believes gives it an advantage over existing political platforms.
“NDC is the only party that have inclusive governance… there is a place for men, women, the youth, and physically challenged people,” he stated.
He said that the recent defections of key political figures into the party are part of a broader realignment aimed at consolidating opposition strength.
“Other people are still coming… we are going to sit down on a round table discussion,” he said.
Addressing concerns over conflicting political ambitions within the emerging bloc, Ikowaji maintained that negotiation and consensus-building would guide decision-making.
“Nobody is going to impose anything on anybody… there’s going to be proper negotiation,” he said.
He further explained that the political arrangement being formed goes beyond a traditional party merger, evolving instead into a coalition model that allows multiple parties to retain their identities while working towards a common goal.
“There is difference between merger and coalition,” he noted.
Drawing from historical precedent, he cited the 1999 political alliance as an example of how competing interests can be harmonised.
“We are not seeing it as personal ambition… we’re seeing it as the ambition of all Nigerians,” he said.
Ikowaji also dismissed suggestions that internal rivalry would weaken the alliance, expressing confidence that shared objectives would override individual interests.
“Everybody will not be president one day,” he said.
Ikowaji concluded that the NDC’s open and inclusive approach is designed to build a united opposition front, stressing that its success will depend on sustained dialogue, negotiation, and a collective commitment to national interest over personal ambition.
By Ojo Triumph
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