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The founder and national leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, has dismissed reports of internal divisions within the party, insisting that its leadership structure remains intact despite concerns arising from its rapid growth and recent primary elections.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE NEWS on Wednesday, the former Bayelsa State governor described the increasing interest in the NDC as evidence of growing public confidence rather than a sign of instability.
According to Dickson, the party remains united and focused on its mission ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The NDC leadership is intact, and there’s no crisis whatsoever. There’s even no crisis of confidence. A lot of Nigerians believe in us, and I want to thank them for their trust and confidence in the party,” he said.
The senator acknowledged that some members and aspirants had expressed dissatisfaction with aspects of the party’s primary election process but noted that the challenges were largely a result of the constraints imposed by direct primaries and a compressed electoral timetable.
He explained that the party had, within a short period, conducted electronic membership registration and other internal processes while adapting to electoral requirements, adding that such circumstances naturally created operational difficulties for a relatively new political platform.
Dickson admitted that the process was not perfect but stressed that party leaders and aspirants had shown maturity and restraint in managing disagreements.
He maintained that without the cooperation of stakeholders, the situation could have escalated into a more serious crisis.
Addressing allegations by some aggrieved members, including concerns raised on social media, Dickson declined to discuss individual cases but reiterated that all party members remain welcome within the NDC fold.
Referring to activist Aisha Yesufu, he stated that she remains a member of the party and emphasized that the leadership is committed to accommodating diverse opinions while maintaining party discipline.
The NDC leader also rejected allegations that party tickets were being awarded based on financial strength, insisting that nomination forms are not sold to the highest bidder.
He noted, however, that political campaigns require significant resources and that aspirants’ ability to mobilize support and funding remains a legitimate consideration in electoral contests.
According to him, the realities of politics make financial capacity an important factor, but not the sole determinant in selecting candidates.
Dickson further dismissed reports circulating on social media regarding the outcome of some party primaries, describing them as unofficial and misleading.
He explained that only results formally transmitted by the party to the electoral commission should be regarded as authentic.
“The party has spoken. The official position has been communicated. Results circulating on social media are not the basis upon which candidates emerge. What matters is what is formally submitted to the electoral body,” he said.
On concerns about the influence of supporters of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, within the NDC, Dickson insisted that the party remains a united political platform rather than a coalition of competing interests.
He disclosed that Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, joined the party without any financial conditions and are working closely with the leadership to strengthen the organisation.
“Obi and Kwankwaso did not pay one naira. We are working together to build the party, and we remain focused on our collective goal,” he stated.
Dickson also cautioned supporters against attacking the party or its leadership, arguing that such actions undermine the same platform on which the party’s presidential ticket is standing.
He stressed that the NDC serves as the vehicle through which its candidates hope to secure victory in the next general election and should therefore be supported rather than weakened.
The former governor expressed confidence in the party’s prospects in 2027, citing widespread dissatisfaction with insecurity, economic hardship and national disunity under the current administration.
According to him, the next election will be driven by Nigerians’ desire for change and improved governance.
He argued that the contest would transcend political parties and instead reflect the aspirations of citizens seeking solutions to the country’s pressing challenges.
“We are confident that we will win in a free and fair election. Nigerians are united by concerns over insecurity, hunger and the divisions facing the country. These are the issues that matter, and these are the issues our supporters should focus on,” Dickson said.
He urged party members and supporters across the country to remain committed to the NDC’s objectives and continue mobilising around issues affecting the welfare and future of Nigerians.
