According to a report by The Nation on Friday, May 8, 2026, the Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has criticised the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), accusing the party of failing to present a clear governance plan despite its growing visibility ahead of the 2027 general elections.
His comments focused on what he described as the absence of a detailed manifesto outlining the party’s policy direction since its registration.
In a post shared on his verified X handle, Onanuga stated that he had made efforts to review the party’s online presence and policy documentation.
According to him, he visited the party’s official website on two separate occasions to check for its manifesto and governance blueprint.
He explained that this was done out of curiosity, given the increasing attention the party has received in recent political discussions.
Onanuga noted that despite the party’s public positioning as an alternative political platform, it had not made its manifesto available on its website months after registration.
He argued that this absence raises questions about the party’s readiness to provide structured policy direction to Nigerians.
His remarks suggested that political parties seeking national leadership should clearly present their ideas and governance plans for public assessment.
The presidential aide also referenced the involvement of former presidential candidates Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso in the Nigeria Democratic Congress.
He described their association with the party as part of a broader pattern of political realignment within the opposition space ahead of the next general elections.
According to him, their movement into the NDC followed earlier engagements with other political platforms.
In his remarks, Onanuga suggested that the party’s leadership had not yet established a structured ideological foundation capable of guiding governance discussions.
He stated that while political parties often present themselves as alternatives to ruling administrations, such claims must be supported by clearly defined policies and accessible documentation.
He emphasized that without such clarity, it becomes difficult for voters to understand what a party stands for.
He further noted that the absence of a manifesto limits public engagement with the party’s ideas and reduces the ability of citizens to evaluate its preparedness for leadership.
According to him, political communication plays a key role in shaping public perception, and parties are expected to provide detailed explanations of their plans rather than general statements.
The statement also touched on the importance of transparency in political organization.
Onanuga argued that parties seeking national leadership must ensure that their policy frameworks are easily accessible to the public, particularly through official digital platforms.
He maintained that this is essential for building trust and allowing voters to make informed decisions.
Political discussions surrounding the NDC have continued to gain attention due to the involvement of high-profile politicians and ongoing realignments within Nigeria’s opposition landscape.
The emergence of new platforms has led to increased scrutiny of party structures, policy documents, and ideological direction as preparations for the 2027 elections continue.
Observers note that the focus on manifestos reflects a broader expectation within Nigeria’s political environment that parties should clearly define their governance plans before seeking public office.
This expectation has become more pronounced as voters and stakeholders demand greater accountability and clarity from political actors.
He said, “Out of sheer curiosity, I have twice in the last few days googled the website of the Nigeria Democratic Party (NDC), the party that the political wanderer Peter Obi and his ally, Rabiu Kwankwaso, sought shelter in after abandoning the ADC midstream….See More
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