The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, has stated that the NDC is doing its candidates a favour by offering them a platform to contest elective positions in the 2027 general elections. Dickson, a senator, made this remark on Wednesday night during an appearance on Prime Time, a programme on Arise TV.
Response to Obidient Movement Criticisms
The national leader was responding to criticisms of some NDC leaders reportedly made by members of the Obidient Movement, supporters of Peter Obi, the party's presidential candidate. According to reports, some of Obi's supporters had recently criticised certain NDC leaders for allegedly being hostile to Obi's camp. They also attacked other NDC leaders for allegedly aligning with Labour Party members opposed to Obi's ambition.
Dickson's Warning to Obi's Supporters
During the Arise TV programme, Dickson urged Obi's supporters to stop attacking the NDC or its leaders, warning that such criticism could jeopardise the platform on which their preferred candidate is running. He said, "If you are genuinely supporting Peter Obi and you are disparaging me, the leader, or the platform itself. That is nonsensical."
No One is Doing NDC a Favour
Dickson dismissed insinuations that the NDC should be grateful to Obi and other top politicians for joining the party. He stressed that neither Obi nor any other candidate is doing the NDC a favour. "Don't make it look like anyone is doing NDC a favour. No one is. Rather, the NDC and I and my colleagues are doing people a favour by granting our platform," he said.
Party Unity and No Internal Disputes
Dickson argued that the NDC had shown confidence in Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso by adopting them as the party's sole presidential and vice-presidential candidates without internal disputes. "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 said. "Shishi" is a Nigerian phrase meaning "nothing," often used to indicate no monetary payment.
Dickson's Own Presidential Ambition
Dickson also dismissed suggestions that he lacked the political clout to join the presidential race, claiming he could have been the NDC's presidential candidate. "There's no one more qualified than me to run for the presidency of Nigeria. None. I could have run, but for some reasons I did not want to," he said.
Growth of NDC Before Obi and Kwankwaso
Dickson boasted that before Obi and Kwankwaso joined the NDC, the party had been growing with the defection of other top politicians. He said, "I received (Kabir) Marafa from Zamfara. I received (Aishatu Dahiru) Binani and several other people across the country for four to five months (before Obi and Kwankwaso joined)."
Obi Remains a Cherished Member
Despite the criticisms, Dickson affirmed that Obi remains a cherished member of the party. "Peter Obi is a cherished member of our party. We are working well together. There's no crisis," he concluded.
