National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Senator Seriake Dickson, yesterday, said the party gave its presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, and vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, a free hand to nominate candidates and party officials in their respective states and zones.
Speaking at a news conference in Abuja, Dickson dismissed allegations of a conflict between the party leadership and the two candidates, insisting that all parties had worked together in harmony.
“There is absolutely no dispute between me as the party leader and Kwankwaso or Obi because we all agreed to work together to move Nigeria forward,” Dickson said.
The Bayelsa senator explained that Obi and Kwankwaso were consulted at every stage of the party’s activities before, during and after the primaries. According to him, both men were also allowed to nominate individuals for key positions as part of efforts to build consensus within the party.
He said the leadership decided to concede certain positions to them because they were better acquainted with the political realities in their respective areas.
“We cannot sit in Abuja and determine the dynamics of every state and region in the country. That was why we allowed elders and stakeholders in the various states to determine who emerged as candidates because we are focused on providing Nigerians with an alternative platform,” he said.
Dickson expressed confidence in the party’s candidates, saying they were well-positioned to perform strongly in future elections.
“We are satisfied with the quality of our candidates. It does not make sense for anyone to claim to love the NDC more than those of us who built the party and entrusted them with tickets to represent us,” he added.
He further stated that the party leadership did not interfere in the emergence of candidates and that the final list would be published after the appeal panel concludes its work and the names are submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
Responding to allegations that aspirants paid money to secure party tickets, Dickson denied any wrongdoing, insisting that neither Obi nor Kwankwaso paid for their nominations.
According to him, the NDC was not created as a platform for personal ambition but as a vehicle for national development and political reform.
On claims that candidates were compelled to swear an oath of allegiance to the party, Dickson defended the practice, describing it as a commitment mechanism.
“We have no apology for asking our candidates to swear to an affidavit of commitment so that they remain loyal to the party and work for its progress after winning elections,” he said.
He also defended the acceptance of donations from party members, noting that such contributions were permitted under the party’s constitution and should not be misconstrued as bribery.
Commenting on the controversy surrounding activist Aisha Yesufu, Dickson said she was offered a ticket to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives but declined and insisted on contesting for the Senate.
