NDC built on strong democratic structures not personalities -Dickson

• Party unveils plan for electronic voting system

• Obi asks aspirants to accept outcome of primaries

As part of efforts to prevent internal cracks in the party ahead of the 2027 general election, the leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has warned against turning the platform into a tool for individual political ambitions.

National Leader of the party, Seriake Dickson, declared in Abuja on Monday night that the NDC would be built on strong democratic institutions rather than personalities, amid growing alignments by opposition politicians preparing for the next presidential election.

Dickson spoke during the inauguration of the NDC National Selection Committee and later at the party’s Aspirants Dinner attended by party leaders, aspirants and supporters.

His remarks come at a time political actors across opposition parties are repositioning with figures such as Mr. Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso believed to be playing key roles in the evolving coalition around the NDC.

“We are not building a special-purpose vehicle for anybody. What we are building is a political party that will outlive all of us,” Dickson said.

The former governor also disclosed that the party’s leadership was determined to avoid the leadership crises and factional disputes that have weakened many political alliances in the country.

According to him, the NDC would prioritise collective ownership, internal democracy and transparent processes in the selection of candidates for future elections.

He said the newly constituted 21-member National Selection Committee had been mandated to consult widely with stakeholders, caucuses and state chapters before the conduct of primaries.

The committee is chaired by the party’s national chairman, Moses Cleopas.

Dickson also announced plans by the party to deploy electronic voting during future primaries, describing it as part of reforms aimed at eliminating manipulation and improving credibility within the party’s internal electoral process.

He disclosed that the party had already developed a digital voting app that would enable registered members to participate electronically during primary elections.

“This will be the last time the NDC conducts primaries in the old style,” he said.

The move comes against the backdrop of repeated disputes in major political parties over delegate lists, vote buying, imposition of candidates and manipulation of primary election outcomes.

Speaking at the event, Obi urged party members to embrace sacrifice and unity as the opposition prepares for the 2027 contest.

“My first message is gratitude to Almighty God who has brought all of us together for this assignment.”

Obi urged aspirants and party supporters to remain committed to the larger objective of rebuilding Nigeria, even if they fail to secure tickets during the primaries.

“All of us cannot emerge. All of us cannot be selected. But we must learn to appreciate people who have continued to sacrifice for the country,” he stated.

Obi said the country required leaders capable of addressing insecurity, unemployment, economic hardship and institutional failure.

He criticised Nigeria’s electricity situation, saying it was unacceptable that a country with over 200 million people still generated only about 4,000 megawatts of power. “This country must begin to work for everybody,” he added.

The former presidential candidate also dismissed suggestions that the NDC belonged to a few powerful politicians.

“This party does not belong to Peter Obi or Dickson. It belongs to everyone who believes Nigeria can work,” he declared.

Several aspirants at the event commended the conduct of the screening exercise organised by the party, describing it as fair, transparent and a credible alternative for Nigerians dissatisfied with the existing political order.

In his remarks, an aspirant for Rivers East senatorial district, Dr. Benjamin Okuolo, described the coming election as a battle between the political establishment and Nigerians demanding change.

Other aspirants also pledged to support whoever emerges from the party’s primaries, insisting that the survival of the NDC was more important than personal ambitions.