Rufai Oseni, an anchor of Arise Television’s Morning Show, has said he will rigorously scrutinize the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, and its prospective presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking on Wednesday, Oseni stated that the party must clearly articulate its plans and policy direction for Nigerians within the next few days, stressing that momentum from defections alone is insufficient.
According to him, the NDC must present a well-defined ethos and manifesto, particularly as it prepares to select a presidential flagbearer.
He noted that he would evaluate the party based on the strength and clarity of its proposals.
Oseni also said he intends to interview Peter Obi, adding that the former Anambra State governor must provide detailed policy frameworks on key national issues.
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.
“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?
“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.”