Chief Simon Okeke, the former Chairman Police Service Commission (PSC), who doubles as the Ochendo Amichi and respected elder of Ndi Igbo, has weighed in on the crisis rocking the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). The former Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), called for respect for democratic processes within the party while urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to focus on governance instead of weakening opposition. He spoke during an interview with Managing Editor Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka.
Chief Okeke advised the leadership of the NDC to ensure that certificates of return are issued to any member who wins in the primaries the party conducted recently. He said party supremacy must mean fidelity to its own rules, not selective enforcement.
He described the non-conduct of primaries for the Senate seat in the FCT as undemocratic, unless there was a consensus candidate. “Unless if there had been a consensus candidate, non conduction of primaries for Senate in the FCT is undemocratic,” he stated.
Addressing speculations, Okeke dismissed reports that Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso had resigned their membership from the NDC. He described such claims as mere rumour designed to create confusion within the party ranks.
The elder statesman also refuted allegations that Peter Obi and Senator Seriake Dickson were engaged in selling tickets to aspirants. “I know Peter Obi and Senator Seriake Dickson, their engagement in selling tickets to people is also a rumour,” he said.
On reports that Peter Obi invited a member who failed an election in Anambra and who is not a registered member in AMAC/Bwari to be given the ticket for that same area, Okeke said the act would not be good if true. He however expressed confidence that Obi would not be involved in such a practice.
“Inviting a member of the party who failed election in Anambra, who isn’t a registered member in AMAC/Bwari by Peter Obi to be given ticket for the same AMAC/Bwari isn’t good if it is true, but I believe that Peter Obi won’t do a thing like that,” Okeke stated with confidence.
With the deadline for submission of candidates’ names to INEC set for June 30, 2026, Chief Okeke urged agitating aspirants to exercise patience. He said internal processes take time and party leadership should be allowed to conclude arrangements.
He stressed that the NDC leadership must ensure the party lives up to expectations. According to him, only a disciplined and democratic party can either win elections or play the role of a visible opposition.
For Nigerians to experience democracy, he said: “The NDC must function as a credible alternative. “A weak or crisis-ridden opposition,” he argued, robs citizens of choice and accountability.
Turning to national issues, Okeke called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to concentrate on pressing challenges facing the country. He listed insecurity and inflation as issues that continue to make life unbearable for ordinary Nigerians.
He warned against any attempt by the government to ensure there is no opposition. “Instead of trying to ensure that there is no opposition in his government, the President should allow democratic contestation to thrive,” Okeke advised.
The former PSC chairman concluded that Nigeria’s democracy will only be meaningful when parties respect internal democracy and when government focuses on delivering good governance. Both, he said, are necessary for the country to move forward.
