2027: NDP will give Nigerians credible alternative – Founder Ada Okwori

Founder and National Leader of the National Democratic Party (NDP), Hon. Ada Elizabeth Fredrick Okwori, speaks on the motivation behind the formation of the party, its vision for Nigeria, women and youth participation, and its political ambitions ahead of the 2027 elections.

You founded the National Democratic Party at a time when Nigeria already has several registered political parties. What inspired you to establish the NDP, and why do you believe Nigerians need another political platform?

The NDP was birthed out of necessity and compassion for Nigerians, not ambition. I looked at Nigeria and saw millions of citizens who are hardworking, prayerful and hopeful, yet tired — tired of promises without results, politics without principle and leadership without empathy.

As the first woman to form and birth a political party in Nigeria, I believe we need a new platform because the old ways are not delivering for the average Nigerian.

The NDP was formed to return power to the people and build a party that is disciplined, values-driven and focused on service, not self. We want to provide a platform where competence meets character.

What are the core principles of the NDP, and what would distinguish the party from the existing political parties in Nigeria?

Our core principles are integrity, accountability, service, inclusion and nation-building.

Integrity means recognising that public office is a public trust. Accountability means leaders must answer to the people. Service means politics should be about solving problems, not creating them. Inclusion means women, youths and marginalised communities must have a seat at the table. Nation-building means putting Nigeria first above party, tribe or region.

What makes us different is that the NDP will not be a platform for godfathers. We will screen candidates based on capacity and character, not money. We will measure leaders by results in classrooms, clinics and communities, not by the size of their rallies.

As the founder and National Leader of the NDP, what is your personal vision for the party and the kind of Nigeria you hope it will help build?

My vision for the NDP is to build a party that restores hope in Nigeria.

The Nigeria I see is one where a child in Katsina and a child in Bayelsa have equal access to quality education and healthcare. It is a Nigeria where young people do not have to leave the country to pursue their dreams; where businesses can thrive without fear of insecurity or poor electricity supply; and where government is lean, honest and responsive.

I want the NDP to help build a Nigeria that works for the many, not the few — a Nigeria where faith, hard work and discipline are rewarded again.

The NDP has been associated with the call for more disciplined, accountable and people-centred leadership. How would this translate into governance if the party gains political power?

In practice, it means three things: discipline, accountability and people-centred governance.

On discipline, there will be clear performance contracts for every public office holder. Results will be tracked quarterly and published.

On accountability, we will establish an open budget portal, project tracking mechanisms and mandatory asset declaration. There will be no sacred cows.

On people-centred governance, policies will begin with town-hall consultations. Government spending will prioritise food security, security of lives and property, jobs, power and education.

Women and young people remain significantly under-represented in Nigerian politics. What specific role will they play in the NDP’s leadership and decision-making structures?

They will be the engine of the party, not an afterthought.

For women, we are proposing a minimum of 40 per cent representation in all NDP executive and candidate lists. We will also establish a Women’s Leadership Fund to support campaigns, mentorship and capacity building. Maternal health and women’s economic empowerment will be among our priorities.

For youths, we will provide a 35 per cent quota in party structures. The NDP will establish Youth Innovation Hubs in every state to drive digital governance, technology jobs and entrepreneurship. Young people will also lead our policy think tanks.

With the 2027 elections approaching, what are the NDP’s political ambitions, and how does the party intend to compete with the more established political parties?

Our ambition is to win and to govern well.

We intend to compete through grassroots mobilisation, issue-based campaigns, credible candidates and technology.

We will take our message from ward to ward, engaging people in markets, schools and farms. Our campaigns will be based on clear plans rather than insults or money politics.

We will field men and women of integrity and proven capacity, while deploying data-driven voter outreach and vote-protection systems.

The 2027 election is our opportunity to offer Nigerians a credible alternative.

You have outlined ambitious proposals for the economy, security and education. What are some of the specific policies Nigerians should expect from an NDP government?

For the economy, our NDP Prosperity Plan will focus on an MSME revolution, agriculture and power.

We are proposing single-digit loans, three-year tax holidays and digital markets for small businesses, with a target of creating 10 million new jobs in four years.

In agriculture, we will establish mechanised farming clusters, storage facilities and guaranteed off-take arrangements to address food inflation.

On power, we will promote decentralised electricity through solar and gas plants for states and industrial hubs. No nation can grow in darkness.

For security, our NDP Safe Nigeria Agenda will focus on community policing, intelligence and technology, as well as youth engagement. We will train, equip and fund local security structures working with federal forces, deploy technologies such as drones and data centres, and improve the welfare of security personnel.

We will also provide jobs and skills programmes to reduce the recruitment of young people into crime.

In education, the NDP Future Minds Initiative will prioritise teachers, STEM and skills development, and increased funding.

Teachers will receive better pay, training and housing because no nation rises above the quality of its teachers. We will establish vocational centres in every local government area and provide free coding and technical training for young people.

We are also proposing that 15 per cent of the national budget be allocated to education and that 5,000 public schools be upgraded in our first term with electricity, water and digital learning tools.

Many Nigerians are sceptical about new political parties, particularly because some have struggled to maintain their principles after gaining political influence. What safeguards will the NDP put in place to remain accountable?

We respect that scepticism, and that is why we are proposing safeguards from the beginning.

First is internal democracy, with free and fair primaries and no imposition of candidates.

Second is a binding code of conduct for all party office holders and elected representatives.

Third is independent oversight through a party Ombudsman and public quarterly reports.

We will also promote term limits to prevent the emergence of godfatherism.

If we deviate from the principles we have set for ourselves, Nigerians should vote us out.

Finally, what is your message to Nigerians who are looking for a credible political alternative ahead of 2027? Why should they believe in the NDP?

To every Nigerian who is tired and praying for change, I see you. God sees you too.

My name is Ada Elizabeth Fredrick Okwori, and I stepped forward because Nigeria deserves better. As the first woman to form a political party here, I am doing this for our daughters, our sons, younger generations and those yet unborn, and for the Nigeria we know is possible.

Do not give up on Nigeria. Do not sell your future. The NDP is asking for your trust, and we will earn it through hard work, integrity and service.

Believe in the NDP because we believe in you. We are building a party where your voice matters, your vote counts and your children have a future here at home.

Nigeria is not finished. With God and with people like you, we can rebuild it together.