- Seriake Dickson has pushed back against claims that the NDC owes its success to prominent politicians who recently joined the party.
- The former Bayelsa governor insisted that the party created the platform that made their ambitions possible, defended its decision to hand Peter Obi the presidential ticket, dismissed reports of internal crisis, and maintained that the NDC remains united ahead of the 2027 elections.
The national leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, has dismissed claims that his party should be grateful to high-profile politicians who joined ahead of the 2027 elections, insisting that the party itself has provided opportunities for those seeking public office.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday, Dickson argued that the NDC’s growing influence was built through years of effort by its founders and members and should not be portrayed as benefiting from individuals who later joined the platform.
“Don’t make it look like anyone is doing NDC a favour. No one is,” Dickson said.
“Rather, the NDC and I and my colleagues are doing people a favour by granting our platform.”
The former Bayelsa governor expressed concern over what he described as repeated attacks on the party by some supporters of the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi. According to him, such criticism could weaken the same political structure expected to deliver electoral victory.
Dickson maintained that the party demonstrated confidence in Obi by handing him its presidential ticket without a contested primary and by resolving key decisions internally without public disputes.
He also rejected suggestions that money influenced candidate selection within the party, saying the nomination process was conducted fairly.
“Nobody paid shishi. So, if a presidential candidate didn’t pay shishi to be made the sole presidential candidate and sole vice-presidential candidate, that same party cannot be the one saying that small people are underprivileged,” he stated.
The senator further addressed claims questioning his own presidential credentials, insisting that he possessed the experience and qualifications required to contest for the nation’s highest office.
“I could have run. There’s no one more qualified than me. There’s no one more qualified than me to run for presidential candidate. None,” he said.
Dickson also noted that the NDC had already built a national support base before the arrival of prominent figures such as Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Responding to reports of internal divisions, the former governor insisted that relations between the party leadership and its presidential candidate remain cordial and productive.
“Peter Obi is a cherished member of our party,” he said.
“On our own, we have made him a presidential candidate. Sole presidential candidate. And that counts for something. We are working well together. There’s no crisis.”
He concluded by urging party supporters to focus on strengthening the NDC rather than attacking its leadership, warning that undermining the platform could ultimately affect the fortunes of the candidates they hope to see elected.
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