The Founder and National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, has dismissed allegations that the party’s national leadership demanded money from aspirants or sold elective positions during its primary election process.
Speaking on concerns raised in some quarters regarding the conduct of the party’s primaries, Dickson said that, to the best of his knowledge, no individual had come forward with credible evidence to accuse the National Working Committee (NWC) or the party leadership of selling tickets or demanding payments in exchange for political positions.
According to him, the NDC has remained committed to transparency and fairness in its internal democratic processes, stressing that the party’s national leadership has consistently relied on established procedures for the conduct of primaries.
“From my understanding and to the best of my knowledge, I do not think anyone has come forward to say that the national leadership demanded money for tickets or that the National Working Committee sold positions,” Dickson stated.
He explained that, like every major political party in Nigeria, the NDC deploys designated officials to oversee and conduct primary elections across various states and constituencies. He noted that the process is similar to what obtains in other political parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC), and other registered political organisations.
Dickson observed that disputes and disagreements are not uncommon during primary elections, especially when a political party experiences rapid growth and attracts a large number of aspirants seeking elective offices.
According to him, the NDC’s growing popularity and increasing national acceptance have naturally generated heightened interest among politicians who believe the party presents a viable platform for electoral victory.
He said that when a party witnesses a surge in membership and political participation, competition for available positions inevitably becomes more intense.
“In every political party, whether it is the PDP, APC, ADC, or any other platform, situations like these can arise,” he explained.
“When people believe that a party has strong prospects and can win elections, the level of interest becomes very high. As a result, competition among aspirants also becomes intense.”
Dickson further noted that under a direct primary system, where party members are actively involved in choosing candidates, the stakes are often higher and the contest more vigorous.
He said such environments can sometimes breed tension, misunderstandings, and allegations among competing aspirants, particularly when expectations are not met.
“In the context of direct primaries, there is often strong contestation and, in some instances, desperation among aspirants. That can lead to misunderstandings, accusations, and counter-claims,” he said.
The former Bayelsa State governor maintained that such disputes should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of wrongdoing by the party leadership.
Instead, he argued that they are often a reflection of the highly competitive nature of internal democratic processes, especially in parties experiencing rapid expansion and increasing political relevance.
Dickson reiterated that the NDC remains committed to strengthening internal democracy, ensuring fairness, and providing a level playing field for all members seeking elective positions.
He called on party members and supporters to approach internal disagreements with maturity and a commitment to preserving unity, stressing that disagreements are a natural part of democratic politics.
The NDC leader also urged aspirants and stakeholders to utilise established party mechanisms for resolving grievances rather than resorting to speculation or public accusations that could undermine the party’s growth.
According to him, the focus of the party remains on building a strong national institution capable of providing credible leadership and effective governance for Nigerians.
He emphasized that as the NDC continues to attract more members and political actors across the country, occasional disputes are inevitable, but such challenges should be addressed through dialogue, adherence to party rules, and respect for democratic principles.
Dickson concluded by expressing confidence in the party’s structures and leadership, maintaining that the NDC remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the promotion of a democratic culture that gives every member a fair opportunity to participate.
— Senator Seriake Dickson
Founder and National Leader, Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC)
