Olukoga At Birthday: NDC Edo Chieftain Urges Chairman To Uphold Rule Of Law, Resist Impunity
Comrade Barrister Okhilua Osadebamen Spartacus, Assistant Publicity Secretary of the Oredo Local Government Area chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Edo State, has congratulated the state chairman of the party, Engr. David Olukoga, on his birthday, describing him as a courageous leader who has demonstrated tolerance for criticism and concern for the rights of party members.
In an open letter issued to mark Olukoga's birthday on Sunday, September 6, 2026, Spartacus acknowledged that the party chairman, like every political leader, may not be perfect, but commended him for what he described as his willingness to stand up for members facing perceived injustice.
The NDC chieftain recalled Olukoga's intervention in the case involving Comrade Ken Omusi, a former Labour Party Youth Leader in Edo State, alleging that the chairman stood against attempts to silence Omusi during the leadership crisis within the Labour Party.
Spartacus also recounted his personal experience at the Oredo LGA level, saying Olukoga defended his rights when he faced opposition from some members of the executive over his demands for transparency, accountability and adherence to the rule of law.
According to him, Olukoga's tolerance for criticism is particularly significant at a time when, in his view, dissent within political organisations is sometimes treated as disloyalty.
Quoting the NDC Edo chairman, Spartacus said: “Criticism is allowed in as much as it is geared towards building our Party for we need people of ideas.”
He further appealed to Olukoga to remain committed to reconciliation and inclusiveness, particularly in addressing disagreements allegedly carried into the NDC from the Labour Party bloc.
The NDC chieftain claimed that unresolved disagreements among members of the former Labour Party bloc remained one of the challenges confronting the party in Edo State.
He specifically referenced the controversy surrounding the candidacy of Rt. Hon. Murphy Omoruyi, alleging that some individuals loyal to former Labour Party governorship candidate Olumide Akpata were working against Omoruyi's candidacy in Egor Local Government Area.
Spartacus said the alleged disagreement was connected to the earlier controversy over the zoning of the Edo State governorship ticket, urging party leaders to prioritize reconciliation and the collective interest of the NDC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Turning his attention to the national leadership of the party, Spartacus expressed strong criticism of what he described as excessive concentration of power within the NDC.
He alleged that Senator Seriake Dickson had exercised undue influence over the affairs of the party and called on party organs and leaders to ensure that the NDC Constitution remained the supreme guide for its operations.
He argued that although Dickson founded the NDC, the party should not be treated as a personal possession, stressing that political parties are collective institutions built through the contributions, sacrifices and commitment of their members.
Spartacus also expressed concern over what he described as the emergence of opposing candidacies, internal disagreements and legal disputes across different parts of the country, warning that such developments could weaken the party's electoral prospects if not addressed.
He urged the party leadership to pay greater attention to the quality, credibility and acceptability of candidates presented to voters.
According to him, candidates should be capable of convincing voters through their own records, character and competence rather than relying solely on the popularity of any individual political figure.
The Oredo LGA chieftain also appealed to Olukoga to protect the rights of party members and ensure that disciplinary actions such as suspension or removal from office were carried out strictly in accordance with the NDC Constitution.
He alleged that some local government leaders had personalized their offices, taken unilateral decisions and allegedly victimized members who questioned their actions.
Spartacus warned that, if unchecked, such practices could erode members' confidence in the party and negatively affect its chances in the 2027 elections.
He consequently encouraged Olukoga to demonstrate courage in confronting internal contradictions, even when doing so might be politically difficult.
“Rather than focus on the need to perpetuate and preserve yourself in office, stand up for what is right even if it means you standing alone,” he urged.
The NDC chieftain further advised the chairman to be cautious of what he described as sycophants and praise singers within the political space, warning that excessive praise could sometimes prevent leaders from recognizing genuine problems around them.
He said his birthday message was not motivated by any desire for political favour, appointment or personal elevation, stressing that his support for the chairman was based on his conviction about the need for principled leadership.
Spartacus urged Olukoga to lead with what he described as the fear of God, fairness and courage, while ensuring that members' constitutional rights were respected.
He concluded by praying that God would grant the NDC Edo chairman many more years and the wisdom to leave behind a positive legacy.
“Your legacy as a Party Chairman will not be defined by the amount of money you make or by the number of influential persons you meet or by the strength of influence you wield. It will definitely be defined by doing what is right, just and conscientious, for history never forgets,” he stated.
