By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has recorded a significant political boost in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) following the defection of prominent youth politician, Obinna Simon, popularly known as MC Tagwaye, alongside a large base of his supporters into the party.
Tagwaye, who previously contested the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Chairmanship election under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and was formerly a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was formally received into the NDC at a high-level gathering of party leaders and stakeholders.
The event drew the presence of the party’s National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson; National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas; members of the National Working Committee; the FCT Chairman, Hon. Haruna Pai; as well as other senior figures within the party.
Presenting the new entrant to the national leadership, Hon. Haruna Pai described Tagwaye as a widely recognised political figure whose influence cuts across the FCT and beyond. He assured him of the full backing of party members across all wards in the territory.
Welcoming Tagwaye, the National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, revealed that the party had engaged in extensive consultations with him prior to his formal defection, noting that the leadership was convinced of his suitability and alignment with the party’s ideals.
“After holding several meetings with him and discussing extensively, we found him to be a good man and fit to join the NDC. The FCT Chairman had presented him to me as the National Chairman of the NDC, and today, I have also brought him to formally present and decorate him before our National Leader,” he said.
The highlight of the ceremony was the formal decoration of Tagwaye with the NDC fez cap and the presentation of his membership card, symbolising his full integration into the party.
In his remarks, the National Leader of the party, Senator Seriake Dickson, described the NDC as a stable political platform distinguished by internal cohesion and absence of factional crises or litigation. He expressed appreciation to Nigerians for the growing trust in the party and urged citizens to take advantage of its ongoing nationwide membership registration drive.
Dickson reiterated the party’s commitment to building a credible political alternative capable of repositioning Nigeria towards sustainable development, good governance, and national stability.
Responding, Tagwaye expressed gratitude to the leadership of the party, describing his admission into the NDC as both an honour and a strategic step towards contributing to national progress.
“I joined the NDC for the betterment of Nigerians. After the elections and the crises that rocked my former party, my followers and supporters kept asking about my next move. After careful consideration, we decided to come to the NDC,” he said.
He noted that his decision was driven not by personal ambition, but by a sense of responsibility to be part of a movement aimed at addressing critical national challenges.
“Coming to the NDC is for history and posterity, so that it will be remembered that at a time when this country needed people to stand against injustice, inhumanity, mismanagement, insecurity and other vices, we were part of that movement,” he added.
Tagwaye further emphasised his commitment to the party, declaring total allegiance and readiness to undertake any responsibility assigned to him.
“Today, I am here to declare exclusively for the NDC. I am a straightforward person and I do not belong to any other party. Whatever obligation or task the party gives me, I am ready and willing to carry it out fully,” he stated.
He also acknowledged Barrister Amanda Pam, describing her as a key figure in the FCT political landscape, and appreciated her guidance and support throughout his political journey.
Political observers view Tagwaye’s defection as a strong indicator of the rising appeal of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, particularly among youth leaders and grassroots mobilisers in the FCT and across the country, further reinforcing the party’s growing momentum ahead of future political contests.
