Mr Akor Christian Oche otherwise known as Due Process has urged the leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress to embrace modern technology in order to reduce human interference, improve transparency, and strengthen the credibility of the ongoing aspirants’ screening exercise across the country.
Speaking through the COPDEM Media YouTube Channel, Due Process questioned why over 1,000 aspirants from different parts of the world are compelled to travel to Abuja and spend several days in hotels just to participate in screening exercises that could easily be conducted through digital platforms.
According to him, the adoption of technology-driven screening processes would not only reduce financial burdens on aspirants but also enhance efficiency, accountability, and inclusiveness within the party structure.
He further advocated for the decentralization of the screening exercise to various states of the federation, stressing that such an arrangement would allow the national leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress to focus more on policy formulation, strategic national programmes, and preparations for the incoming NDC-led government.
Due Process also appealed to the party leadership to urgently review and reduce the current cost of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms, arguing that the existing prices may discourage competent but low-income Nigerians from participating in the democratic process.
He maintained that the dream of building a New Nigeria should not be restricted to the wealthy alone, noting that “a son of a classroom teacher should be able to aspire to represent his constituency without breaking the bank.”
He specifically called on the NDC leadership to consider special concessions for aspirants from the Middle Belt and Northern regions who are currently battling persistent terrorist attacks, economic hardship, displacement, and insecurity.
According to him, political parties stand to gain more from winning elections and forming government than from placing excessive financial burdens on aspirants through costly nomination processes.
Due Process further called on the leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress to fully embrace COPDEM as a credible ally capable of strengthening grassroots mobilisation, coordinating polling unit monitors, and deploying technology-driven solutions to spotlight election results across the country on election day.
He noted that strategic collaboration with grassroots movements and civic-driven organisations would improve voter participation, election monitoring, transparency, and protection of the people’s mandate during the 2027 general elections.
On a final note, Due Process called on well-meaning Nigerians to embrace the Nigeria Democratic Congress as the only viable opposition platform capable of delivering a New Nigeria that is possible.
He also urged Nigerians to register with the party and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 general elections in order to democratically vote out the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress government.
