NDC leader Seriake Dickson says neither Peter Obi nor any politician is doing the party a favour ahead of the 2027 elections, insisting the platform is offering candidates a valuable opportunity
Dickson Hits Back at Obi Supporters, Says NDC Is Granting Candidates Opportunity for 2027
National leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, has pushed back strongly against claims that the opposition party should be grateful to its 2027 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, or any other political heavyweight for joining its ranks.
Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Wednesday, the former Bayelsa State governor insisted that the NDC is the one extending opportunities to politicians seeking elective offices and not the other way around.
“Don’t make it look like anyone is doing NDC a favour. No one is,” Dickson said.
“Rather, the NDC and I and my colleagues are doing people a favour by granting our platform.”
Dickson also cautioned Obi’s supporters against attacking the party or its leadership, arguing that such criticism ultimately weakens the political vehicle carrying the aspirations of their preferred candidate.
“If you are genuinely supporting Peter Obi and you are disparaging me, the leader, or the platform itself. That is nonsensical,” he said.
The senator pointed to the party’s decision to adopt Obi as its sole presidential candidate for the 2027 election, saying the move reflected the confidence and goodwill the NDC had shown him from the outset. He noted that the party also settled on a vice-presidential candidate without internal disputes or financial inducements.
“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.
Dickson further dismissed suggestions that he lacked the political credentials to seek the presidency himself, insisting he possessed the experience and qualifications required for the nation’s highest office.
“I could have run. There’s no one more qualified than me. There’s no one more qualified than me to run for presidential candidate. None,” he added.
The NDC leader maintained that the party’s growth and national relevance predated the arrival of both Peter Obi and former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, stressing that the platform had already attracted politicians and supporters from across Nigeria before their entry.
Addressing reports of alleged divisions within the party, Dickson rejected claims of a rift between party leaders and supporters of the presidential ticket, insisting that relations remain cordial and productive.
“Peter Obi is a cherished member of our party,” he said.
“On our own, we have made him a presidential candidate. Sole presidential candidate. And that counts for something. We are working well together. There’s no crisis.”
While acknowledging that supporters may not feel obligated to thank those who built the party, Dickson warned that sustained attacks on the NDC and its leadership could ultimately undermine the prospects of the very candidates they seek to promote ahead of the 2027 general election.
