The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, has firmly rejected claims that the party should be indebted to its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for choosing its platform ahead of the 2027 general elections. Instead, Dickson argued that the NDC is the one extending an opportunity to politicians by providing a credible platform through which they can pursue their political ambitions.
The former Bayelsa State governor made the remarks during an appearance on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Wednesday, where he addressed growing tensions between sections of the Obidient Movement and leaders of the opposition party.
Dickson’s comments come amid increasing debate within opposition circles over the future direction of the NDC and the influence of prominent political figures within the coalition ahead of the next presidential election.
According to the senator, it is misleading to suggest that any individual politician, regardless of popularity or public support, is doing the NDC a favour by contesting on its platform.
“Don’t make it look like anyone is doing the NDC a favour. No one is,” Dickson stated during the interview.
“Rather, the NDC and I, alongside my colleagues, are doing people a favour by granting them access to our platform.”
His remarks appear to be a response to growing narratives from some supporters of Peter Obi who argue that the former Anambra State governor’s popularity and political following have significantly enhanced the party’s profile and electoral prospects.
However, Dickson maintained that political parties are institutions that should not be reduced to the personal projects of individual politicians. He stressed that the NDC had invested considerable effort in building a national political structure and creating a platform capable of accommodating diverse interests and aspirations.
The former governor also criticised supporters of Obi whom he accused of attacking the party and its leadership while simultaneously claiming to support the party’s presidential candidate.
According to him, such behaviour is self-defeating and undermines the collective goal of building a strong opposition capable of challenging for power in 2027.
“If you are genuinely supporting Peter Obi and at the same time disparaging me, the leadership, or the platform itself, that makes no sense,” Dickson said.
He argued that those who truly support Obi should equally support and strengthen the party that has provided him with the opportunity to contest for the presidency.
Dickson further highlighted what he described as the NDC’s commitment to fairness and internal democracy, noting that the party adopted Obi as its sole presidential candidate without controversy or internal conflict.
He pointed out that the process leading to Obi’s emergence was smooth and devoid of the disputes that often characterise presidential primaries in Nigerian political parties.
The NDC leader also referenced the selection of the party’s vice-presidential candidate, describing it as another example of the party’s ability to manage sensitive political processes without acrimony.
According to him, both Obi and other leading beneficiaries of the party’s tickets were granted the opportunity without being required to make financial payments.
“Nobody paid shishi,” Dickson declared.
“So, if a presidential candidate did not pay a kobo to emerge as the sole presidential candidate, and the vice-presidential candidate also emerged without paying, then the same party cannot be accused of marginalising ordinary members.”
He insisted that the party had acted in good faith by prioritising competence, electability and national interest over financial considerations.
The senator also used the opportunity to address suggestions that he lacked the political stature or credentials to seek the presidency himself.
Dickson, who served as governor of Bayelsa State and currently represents Bayelsa West in the Senate, argued that he possesses the experience, qualifications and national exposure necessary to contest for Nigeria’s highest office.
“I could have run,” he said.
“There is no one more qualified than me. There is no one more qualified than me to run for president. None.”
While acknowledging Obi’s candidacy, Dickson emphasised that his support for the former governor should not be interpreted as a lack of personal ambition or political capability.
He maintained that his decision to support the party’s consensus arrangements was motivated by a commitment to unity and the broader objective of building a formidable opposition coalition.
The NDC leader also sought to counter claims that the party’s relevance is tied solely to the presence of Peter Obi or former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
According to him, the party already had a nationwide structure and a growing support base before the arrival of both political heavyweights.
Dickson stated that politicians, professionals, youth groups and grassroots supporters from various parts of the country had been joining the party long before Obi and Kwankwaso became associated with it.
He argued that the NDC should be viewed as a national institution with long-term objectives rather than a temporary platform built around the ambitions of a few individuals.
“The party existed before the arrival of these leaders, and it will continue to exist after them,” he said.
Observers say the comments reflect ongoing efforts by the NDC leadership to assert the supremacy of party structures amid increasing competition among influential political actors preparing for the 2027 elections.
With opposition parties seeking to present a united front against the ruling establishment, the ability of the NDC to manage internal disagreements and balance competing interests may prove critical to its prospects in the coming electoral cycle.
For now, Dickson’s message appears clear: while the party welcomes influential politicians and their supporters, the NDC remains larger than any individual and expects loyalty, respect and commitment from all who seek to benefit from its platform.
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