By Nkechi Eze
The National Chairman of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Moses Cleopas, has declared that the party remains firmly rooted and rapidly consolidating its presence across the country, even as political realignments intensify ahead of future electoral contests.
Speaking at a party gathering, Cleopas described the NDC as a stable and structured political family built on unity, mutual respect, and constructive engagement, stressing that its growth is anchored on inclusivity without compromising discipline.
He noted that while politics is fundamentally a game of numbers, the party’s expansion strategy is guided by values that prioritise cohesion over opportunism.
“Politics is a game of numbers, the more, the better. But beyond the numbers, we are building a system where people can disagree, argue, share ideas, and still find common ground without losing the bigger objective,” he said.
Cleopas emphasized that the NDC’s leadership culture encourages open dialogue while maintaining a collective commitment to progress, describing it as a departure from what he termed “the politics of disunity” prevalent in other spaces.
Welcoming new and prospective members, the NDC chairman urged them to approach the party with humility and a willingness to understand its foundational principles before seeking to influence its direction.
“You are coming into a family that is already established. And every established family has values. Be humble enough to learn those values, live by them, and where necessary, make constructive contributions,” he stated.
He cautioned against attitudes of superiority among new entrants, warning that such tendencies have historically destabilised political organisations.
“No one should come into this party thinking they are better than those who built it or that those already here are not qualified. Those are the mistakes that have caused serious problems for others, and we will not tolerate that here,” Cleopas warned.
Highlighting the party’s internal philosophy, he referenced what he described as the “politics of support,” a principle he credited to his mentor and the party’s national leader, noting that enduring relationships and loyalty have been central to the NDC’s evolution.
According to him, the party’s leadership has consistently prioritised collaboration and long-standing alliances, which continue to shape its internal cohesion and strategic direction.
Cleopas also signalled that while the party remains open to new members, it will not compromise on its established standards, structures, and guiding principles.
“There are certain standards, structures, and positions that we cannot compromise. Anyone coming in must understand this clearly,” he said.
He concluded with a firm message to both new entrants and those considering joining the party, urging them to be decisive about their intentions.
“Make up your mind if you are coming. And make up your mind if you are not coming,” he declared, reinforcing the party’s stance on commitment and ideological alignment as it positions itself within Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
