Orette Criticises NDC Leadership, Urges Peter Obi To Reconsider Alliance

The Delta South Senatorial Aspirant of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Austin Orette, has criticised the leadership of the party and urged its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to reconsider his alliance with the current leadership over what he described as internal irregularities and alleged anti-democratic conduct.

Orette made the remarks on Friday in Owhelogbo, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, while reacting to developments surrounding the party’s internal processes.

In a statement, Orette alleged that the NDC leadership had failed to uphold transparency in the conduct of its primaries and warned that the situation could affect the credibility of the party.

According to him, Peter Obi should reconsider his continued association with the party’s leadership.

“Mr. Peter Obi should be made to understand that he has moved to a burning house and should seek residence somewhere else. The NDC is being used by some politicians seeking relevance through his name. He must leave before dawn. This house is on fire,” Orette said.

He further argued that political associations influence public perception, saying: “Show me your friends and I will tell you who you are. Peter Obi must not allow himself to be used to give legitimacy to actions that could undermine public confidence in the party.”

Orette linked Nigeria’s governance and socio-economic challenges to what he described as failures in electoral integrity and leadership.

According to him, issues ranging from insecurity to poverty stem from weaknesses in political processes, adding that Nigerians should reject actions that undermine democratic values.

In the statement titled “NDC Leadership, Corruption and Threat to Democratic Process,” Orette alleged that aspirants who emerged from the party’s primaries had become concerned over the delay in the release of primary election results.

He argued that under normal democratic practice, election results should be released promptly to allow aspirants to begin campaigns ahead of general elections.

“Whatever decision the leaders of Nigeria Democratic Congress are making must never be allowed to stand because it is against the interests of the people,” he said.

The senatorial aspirant accused the national leadership of frustrating democratic processes and called for their resignation, alleging that withholding election outcomes was inconsistent with democratic principles.

Orette also disclosed his intention to challenge the matter in court.

He alleged that the party leadership had violated provisions of the Electoral Act and said he would seek legal redress.

He expressed dissatisfaction with explanations provided by party officials and insisted that leaders should remain accountable to members and citizens.

Orette further called on Nigerians to resist wrongdoing in public office, arguing that tolerance of misconduct has contributed to public distrust in governance.

He maintained that elected representatives should derive legitimacy from the people rather than political structures, warning that failure to respect internal democratic processes could weaken public confidence in political institutions.

He also argued that political leaders must remain accountable to citizens and should not act contrary to the wishes of the electorate.

The NDC leadership had not issued an official response to Orette’s allegations as of the time of filing this report.