Reps aspirant backs NDC consensus plan

A House of Representatives aspirant on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Emokiniovo Otarigho, has thrown his weight behind the party’s proposed consensus arrangement ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Otarigho made this known on Tuesday shortly after picking up his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms at the party’s secretariat in Abuja.

The aspirant, who seeks to represent Ughelli/Udu Federal Constituency of Delta State, also pledged to deliver inclusive leadership and stronger grassroots representation if elected to the National Assembly.

Addressing journalists, Otarigho said that though the idea of consensus candidacy was a welcome development, the final decision rested with the party leadership and aspirants.

He said, “Now, talking about consensus candidates. It is a good idea. I am not against it. However, it’s ultimately a party decision.

“When it becomes a consensus candidate, it means that every other aspirant had sat down together, eyeball to eyeball, have a conversation, and said, let it be so.

“So, if the party adopts a consensus arrangement after consultations among aspirants, then it must be respected.”

His remarks come barely two days after the Nigeria Democratic Congress adopted a consensus mode of primaries for governorship, National Assembly and state assembly elections in Nasarawa State.

The Nasarawa State Chairman of the party, Dogo Shammah, announced the decision during a one-day North Central Zonal Congress held in Lafia, saying the move was aimed at preventing internal crises and strengthening the party’s chances in the elections.

Reacting to concerns about alleged infiltration of the party by political opponents, Otarigho expressed confidence that the NDC’s internal structures would expose any hidden interests.

He said, “The other one on infiltration, I cannot fully substantiate that. However, I strongly believe those who are trying to infiltrate the NDC will be fished out.

“You cannot really hide under a party as open and transparent as the NDC. No. That is also because the heads of the parties and many aspirants are people with integrity.”

The Delta-born politician also stressed the importance of the legislature in deepening democratic accountability, promising not to function as a “rubber stamp” lawmaker if elected.

According to him, there is a widening disconnect between elected officials and the people they represent, a trend he vowed to reverse through accessible and people-oriented representation.

He said, “My constituency has not seen the level of development it deserves. With people like us in the office, we can influence policies that will grow our communities and improve the lives of our people.

“I will prioritise accessibility and accountability in governance. The difference I will bring is the aspect of bridging the disconnect between the elected and the electorate. People should not only see their representatives during elections.”