NDC Candidates Must Build Own Structure, Not Rely On Obi’s 2023 Wave — Iyayi

Comrade Iyayi Marvin, a party chairman, has urged candidates of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Edo State, particularly those contesting in Edo South, to build their own political structures and campaign on their individual records, programmes and connection with voters rather than relying heavily on the popularity associated with Peter Obi and the 2023 Labour Party wave.

Iyayi, in a political commentary, argued that the political circumstances that produced the Labour Party’s strong performance in Edo South during the 2023 general elections should not be assumed to automatically repeat themselves in 2027.

He said some NDC candidates risked confusing voters by prominently featuring Peter Obi or the “Obidient” identity in their campaign messaging, stressing that the NDC should instead promote its own identity, manifesto and candidates.

According to him, the 2023 election was characterised by significant voter dissatisfaction with the major political parties, while Peter Obi became a major symbol of the alternative political movement at the time.

Iyayi cited the victories of Neda Imasuen in the Edo South Senatorial District and Iyawe Eseosa in the Oredo Federal Constituency as examples of the Labour Party’s success in the state in 2023. Officially reported results show that Imasuen polled 167,250 votes to defeat his PDP and APC opponents, while Iyawe also won Oredo for the Labour Party.

However, Iyayi argued that the 2027 contest would require candidates to demonstrate their own political relevance, grassroots presence and capacity to address the concerns of their constituents.

“Edo voters, especially Edo South voters, are now wiser. We are no longer voting for faces on a presidential poster. We are voting for person, performance and presence,” he said.

He maintained that an elected senator representing Edo South would be expected to address the specific needs of the seven local government areas that make up the senatorial district, including issues affecting markets, roads, education, employment, security and other areas of development.

Iyayi also urged NDC candidates to distinguish themselves from the Labour Party by selling the NDC’s own political programme instead of relying on Peter Obi’s political image.

“The National Democratic Congress is not Labour Party. NDC must sell its own manifesto. If you as an NDC candidate keep shouting Obi, you are only advertising Labour Party and confusing your voters,” he stated.

He further argued that candidates should strengthen their grassroots structures by engaging directly with residents in communities across Edo South, rather than relying primarily on social media visibility.

“Go to the streets of Upper Sakponba. Go to the riverine communities of Gelegele. Go to the farms in Uhunmwonde. Sit with the people. Sell your agenda,” Iyayi said.

He added that candidates should not assume that the political momentum witnessed in 2023 would automatically translate into electoral support in 2027.

Iyayi also referred to the political developments involving former Labour Party figures and the changing political alignments ahead of the 2027 elections, arguing that candidates should develop independent structures capable of surviving changes in alliances and party platforms.

He urged NDC candidates to concentrate on their individual records, grassroots relationships and policy proposals, saying that voters would ultimately judge candidates based on their connection with the people and their plans for development.

“Build your own horse. Build your own structure. Face your people,” he advised.

The comments come as political parties and candidates intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections. The NDC has presented its Edo National Assembly candidates and directed them to commence grassroots mobilisation across the state.