‘It’s nonsensical to support Obi and disparage me, NDC’ — Seriake Dickson
NDC Leader Urges Supporters to Unite for Obi’s Presidential Bid
Senator Seriake Dickson, founder and national leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has urged party supporters to refrain from disparaging the party and its leadership while backing presidential candidate Peter Obi. He called such actions detrimental to Obi’s campaign.
In an interview with ARISE NEWS on Wednesday, Dickson rejected assertions of a crisis within the NDC, asserting that the party remains united despite recent primary election disagreements.
“It is illogical for those who support Peter Obi to undermine the platform on which he is contesting,” Dickson stated. “You cannot genuinely support him while disparaging me or the party itself. That is nonsensical.”
Dickson emphasized that the NDC serves as the essential vehicle for Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, in the upcoming 2027 presidential election. He cautioned supporters to consider the implications of their criticisms on the platform.
“If they fail to understand this, they are only hurting themselves,” he warned.
Addressing reports of internal discord, Dickson insisted that the NDC leadership remains intact and that there is no crisis of confidence. “A lot of Nigerians believe in us,” he said.
While acknowledging some aspirants’ complaints regarding the primaries, he conceded that the process had its flaws, attributing this to the challenges posed by direct primaries and the tight electoral schedule. “Even I will admit that direct primaries, as stipulated by the Electoral Act, have created challenges,” he remarked.
Dickson also responded to allegations concerning the treatment of activist Aisha Yesufu within party processes. He declared that the NDC is inclusive and open to all members. “As of today, Aisha Yesufu is a member of our party, and we welcome her,” he confirmed.
The senator dismissed claims that the NDC allocates nominations based on financial strength, stating that while resources matter in politics, the party does not sell tickets to the highest bidder. “The NDC does not sell nomination forms based on how much one has,” he emphasized.
He further mentioned that both Obi and Kwankwaso joined the party without financial obligations and are collaborating closely with leadership to enhance the platform’s strength. “They did not pay anything. We are working together,” Dickson said.
Confident in the NDC’s unity as the 2027 elections approach, Dickson noted that growing public dissatisfaction with issues such as insecurity, economic hardship, and governance challenges is driving demand for political change.
