Emmanuel lkpeama
Available information from the national leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) indicates that the party has declined support for the second-term ambition of Hon. George Olawande, the current representative of Amuwo Odofin Federal Constituency, over concerns bordering on alleged underperformance, weak grassroots connection, and dissatisfaction among party members.
According to party insiders, the decision followed a series of petitions, consultations, and complaints submitted by stakeholders within Amuwo Odofin, urging the national leadership to uphold internal democracy and resist what they described as attempts to reward failure with another ticket.
Sources within the party disclosed that after reviewing reports concerning Hon. Olawande’s stewardship since assuming office, the leadership concluded that the lawmaker had failed to meet the expectations attached to his mandate as a federal representative.
A senior official at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, who spoke anonymously, said the leadership could not ignore what was described as growing dissatisfaction among constituents.
“The Nigeria Democratic Congress is a people-oriented party. We cannot support or impose any candidate whose representation has generated widespread criticism and whose performance has fallen below expected standards,” the source stated.
Party assessments reportedly highlighted several concerns against the lawmaker, including alleged absence of visible constituency projects, poor accessibility to residents, failure to establish a functional constituency office within Amuwo Odofin, weak legislative advocacy, limited grassroots mobilisation, and what stakeholders described as a disconnect from the daily realities of constituents.
The leadership was also said to have taken note of complaints surrounding the lawmaker’s alleged residential and business ties to Magodo in Kosofe Federal Constituency. In what observers described as a subtle political message, some stakeholders reportedly advised him to pursue his political ambition in Magodo if he believes he commands genuine support there.
“If Hon. George Olawande truly believes he enjoys political acceptance, he should test that popularity where he resides and conducts his business activities. Representation should be rooted in genuine connection with the people,” a stakeholder leader reportedly said.
Sources said the position of the national leadership was influenced by sustained agitation from youth leaders, women groups, ward executives, grassroots coordinators, and party loyalists who argued that Amuwo Odofin could not afford another term of what they described as ineffective representation.
Stakeholders also maintained that the lawmaker’s emergence during the previous election was largely driven by the nationwide political momentum associated with Peter Obi and prevailing national sentiment at the time, rather than by any deeply rooted grassroots political structure.
A source close to the party’s National Working Committee revealed that the NDC is now determined to ensure a transparent and competitive candidate selection process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The era of automatic tickets and entitlement politics is over. Every aspirant must subject themselves to proper scrutiny based on competence, integrity, constituency engagement, and measurable impact,” the source added.
The party leadership reportedly reaffirmed its commitment to internal democracy and assured members in Amuwo Odofin that the constituency would have the opportunity to produce a candidate capable of restoring public confidence, strengthening grassroots mobilisation, and delivering effective representation.
Political analysts believe the development reflects a broader shift within the NDC as the party seeks to rebuild public trust and improve its electoral prospects through merit-driven candidate selection.
Investigator news reports that for many residents and party faithful in Amuwo Odofin, the move is being interpreted as a response to growing demands for accountable and result-oriented leadership.