Former Bayelsa State Governor and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, has defended the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), insisting that neither Peter Obi nor any other political figure is doing the opposition party a favour by contesting on its platform ahead of the 2027 general election.
Speaking during an appearance on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Wednesday, Dickson, who is regarded as one of the leading figures in the party, dismissed claims suggesting that the NDC should be grateful to Obi, its presidential candidate, for joining the platform.
According to him, the party is instead providing aspirants and candidates the opportunity to pursue their political ambitions through a viable platform.
“Don’t make it look like anyone is doing NDC a favour. No one is. Rather, the NDC and I and my colleagues are doing people a favour by granting our platform,” Dickson stated.
The former governor also cautioned supporters of Obi against attacking the party and its leaders, warning that such actions could weaken the political structure backing 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.
Dickson noted that the NDC had demonstrated its confidence and commitment to Obi by adopting him as its sole presidential candidate and selecting a vice-presidential candidate without internal disagreements or controversy.
“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 added.
The senator further dismissed suggestions that he lacked the political credentials to seek the presidency himself, maintaining that he possesses 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 president. None,” Dickson declared.
He stressed that the NDC had already built a nationwide political structure and attracted supporters across the country before the arrival of Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, arguing that the party’s growth and relevance are not dependent on any single individual.
Addressing reports of alleged internal disagreements within the party, Dickson insisted that there was no crisis between the leadership and supporters of the presidential ticket.
“Peter Obi is a cherished member of our party. 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,” he said.
While acknowledging that supporters may not feel obligated to express gratitude to those who established the party, Dickson emphasized that attacking the NDC would ultimately undermine the aspirations of the candidates they support.
His remarks come amid growing political discussions within the opposition camp as parties continue preparations and alignments ahead of the 2027 presidential election.