By Fatima Saka
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a people-focused political platform capable of addressing Nigeria’s deepening economic hardship ahead of the 2027 general elections, Senator Victor Umeh has positioned.
Speaking on the party’s vision, in an exclusive interview with Distinct News, Umeh said the NDC is built on a welfarist ideology that prioritises the needs, welfare, and dignity of ordinary Nigerians, stressing that its central mission is “service to the people.”
According to him, the party aims to restore hope by ensuring that government policies are designed with direct impact on citizens’ living conditions.
“The focal point of the NDC is the Nigerian people. If that principle is followed, governance will reflect empathy and deliberate efforts to alleviate the suffering of the masses,” he said.
Umeh explained that the party’s approach to governance would be anchored on careful impact assessment of policies, ensuring that reforms do not worsen hardship but instead improve quality of life.
Citing the example of fuel subsidy removal, he said future NDC-led policies would be accompanied by clear cushioning measures to protect citizens from economic shocks.
“If a policy takes something away from the people, there must be a corresponding relief. That balance is critical, and it is what the NDC stands for,” he stated.
On political structure, Umeh defended the party’s decision to zone the presidency to the South, describing it as a fair and equitable arrangement in line with Nigeria’s rotational system.
He clarified that the zoning is structured to maintain balance between the North and South, preventing prolonged dominance by any region and promoting national unity.
Looking ahead, Umeh said the NDC would prioritise key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, education, and healthcare, with a focus on boosting productivity, creating jobs, and improving workers’ welfare.
He noted that the party is committed to ensuring that Nigerian workers earn a living wage and that economic policies translate into tangible benefits for citizens.
“The NDC believes governance must first guarantee survival and dignity. People must be able to afford food, basic services, and live decently,” he said.
Umeh further stated that the party is offering Nigerians a credible alternative through which they can exercise their democratic rights and demand accountability.
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“With the NDC, Nigerians will have a platform that truly represents their interests and responds to their needs,” he added.
He urged citizens to embrace the opportunity presented by the party’s emergence, expressing confidence that the NDC can deliver a new direction rooted in empathy, equity, and people-centred development.
