The national leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, has dismissed suggestions that the party should be grateful to prominent politicians who joined its ranks ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that the platform itself has provided opportunities for aspiring leaders.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday, the former Bayelsa State governor said the NDC’s growing influence was built through the dedication and sacrifices of its founders and members long before the arrival of some of its most high-profile figures.
According to Dickson, political parties exist to provide a platform for candidates seeking public office and should not be portrayed as beneficiaries of those who choose to run under their banner.
“Don’t make it look like anyone is doing NDC a favour. No one is,” he said.
“Rather, the NDC and I and my colleagues are doing people a favour by granting our platform.”
Party leader defends NDC’s contribution
Dickson expressed concern over what he described as persistent criticism of the party by some supporters of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
He argued that attacks on the party’s leadership could weaken the very organisation expected to secure electoral victories for its candidates.
The senator noted that the NDC demonstrated its confidence in Obi by granting him the presidential ticket without a contested primary election and by resolving major internal decisions without public disagreements.
He also pointed to the party’s nomination process as proof that financial influence did not determine who emerged as candidates.
“Nobody paid a shishi. So, if a presidential candidate didn’t pay a shishi to become the sole presidential candidate, and the vice-presidential candidate also emerged without paying a shishi, then that same party cannot be accused of sidelining ordinary members,” he said.
‘I was qualified to run’
Dickson also responded to claims that he lacked the credentials to seek the presidency himself, insisting that his record in public service placed him among those well-qualified to lead the country.
“I could have run. There’s no one more qualified than me. There’s no one more qualified than me to run for president. None,” he declared.
He further stated that the NDC had already attracted supporters and political stakeholders from across the country before the arrival of Peter Obi and former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Dismisses reports of internal crisis
Addressing speculation about divisions within the party, Dickson maintained that relations between the party leadership and its presidential ticket remain strong and cordial.
He described Obi as a valued member of the NDC and insisted that ongoing cooperation within the party demonstrates that there is no internal crisis.
“Peter Obi is a cherished member of our party,” he said.
“On our own, we made him the sole presidential candidate, and that counts for something. We are working well together. There’s no crisis.”
Dickson concluded by urging party supporters to focus on strengthening the NDC rather than attacking it, warning that undermining the platform could ultimately harm the electoral prospects of the very candidates they hope to see elected.
Watch the video below…
“The NDC is doing Peter Obi a favour by granting him a platform. You cannot claim to support Peter Obi while at the same time disparaging me, the leadership, or the platform itself. If it is so easy to form a party, then anyone is free to go and form their own”
-Senator Seriake… pic.twitter.com/mhWoMZhaxm
— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) June 11, 2026
