An anchor of Arise Television’s Morning Show, Rufai Oseni, has vowed to subject the Nigerian Democratic Congress and its prospective presidential candidate to intense scrutiny ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Wednesday, Oseni said the party must urgently present a clear policy direction and actionable plans for Nigerians, stressing that recent defections and political momentum alone would not be enough to earn public trust.
He noted that the NDC must articulate its ideology and release a comprehensive manifesto as it prepares to choose its presidential flagbearer.
Oseni said he would assess the party based on the clarity and depth of its proposals, adding that he plans to interview former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, on critical national issues.
He said, “The only challenge I see is on the NDC now to be able to tell us what they’re going to do for the Nigerian people, and that’s what I’m going to scrutinize them based on.
“And the party should be able to have ethos and manifesto in the next couple of days. So as they try to get whoever is going to be their presidential candidate, they should tell us what they are going to do for Nigerians.”
Oseni acknowledged the growing political movement around the party but insisted that substance must take precedence over optics.
“Yes, people are already defecting. They have momentum. It’s not just about momentum… They need to be able to come out with a rigorous plan,” he said.
The media personality further stated that he would demand detailed policy frameworks from Obi, particularly on pressing economic and social challenges facing the country.
“We have to be more hard on him. You say you want to change this country… you have to show workings because Nigeria is in dire stress. There are lots of challenges,” he added.
He listed key areas requiring clarity, including foreign exchange management, subsidy policies, social welfare programmes, and broader economic reforms.
Oseni warned that failure by the party to present concrete plans within a short timeframe would attract strong criticism.
“If I don’t see it in the next couple of days, I will be the biggest antagonist,” he said.
Reiterating his position, he added, “We will press your neck, NDC. If you don’t show us where the party is going… we will press your neck, Mr Peter Obi. We will demand accountability.”
He emphasised that Nigerians deserve serious and practical solutions, noting that the country’s challenges require more than rhetoric.
