Dickson to Obi supporters: Backing our candidate means respecting our platform

National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, has cautioned supporters of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, against attacking the party leadership, insisting that no political movement can succeed if its supporters undermine the platform carrying its aspirations.

Dickson spoke amid growing tensions within sections of the NDC following the party’s primary elections and complaints from some supporters over the distribution of party positions and nominations.

Speaking during an interview with ARISE NEWS, the former Bayelsa State governor said it was contradictory for anyone to claim support for Obi while simultaneously disparaging the party leadership and structure that made his candidacy possible.

“You cannot genuinely support Peter Obi and at the same time attack the platform he is contesting on. That does not make political sense,” Dickson said.

The NDC leader stressed that the party remains united despite disagreements arising from its rapid growth and the influx of new members ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to him, the NDC provided a political home for Obi, his running mate Rabiu Kwankwaso and other opposition figures at a critical moment, without imposing financial conditions or political barriers.

“Peter Obi is our presidential candidate. Rabiu Kwankwaso is his running mate. We are working together and building this party together. The focus should be on strengthening the platform, not weakening it,” he said.

Dickson argued that the NDC’s emergence as a major opposition force has naturally attracted competing interests and heightened expectations among party members. However, he maintained that the leadership remains committed to inclusion, internal democracy and party unity.

Responding to criticisms surrounding the conduct of the party’s primaries, he acknowledged that the process was not perfect but noted that the NDC had successfully organised nationwide activities within a compressed electoral timetable that posed challenges for both established and emerging political parties.

He said party leaders were already engaging aggrieved members and aspirants to address complaints and ensure that internal disputes do not distract from the broader mission of offering Nigerians an alternative political direction.

The former governor also rejected allegations that party tickets were allocated based on financial influence, insisting that while campaign resources are important in politics, the NDC does not sell nominations to the highest bidder.

On concerns about unofficial primary results circulating online, Dickson urged party members to rely only on information released through official channels, noting that the authentic list of candidates would be those formally submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Dickson expressed confidence that the NDC would remain a formidable platform, arguing that growing public frustration over insecurity, economic hardship and governance challenges has created a strong appetite for political change.

He urged supporters to channel their energy towards mobilising voters and promoting the party’s message rather than engaging in internal attacks.

“The issues before Nigerians are too serious for us to be distracted by unnecessary divisions. Our focus must remain on insecurity, the economy, unemployment and the future of our country,” he said.

Dickson maintained that the NDC leadership remains intact and united, adding that the party’s growing popularity across the country is evidence that Nigerians are looking for a credible alternative ahead of the next general election.