The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, has said the newly registered party is bigger than its members, officials, aspirants and their supporters, stressing that its sanctity must be protected. Speaking with journalists in Abuja yesterday, Dickson dismissed claims that the party was embroiled in a crisis involving its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and running mate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso. He said the NDC held both candidates in high regard and remained confident that, with the support of disenchanted Nigerians, the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket could defeat President Bola Tinubu in the next election. Dickson, however, urged members of the Obidient and Kwankwasiyya movements to respect party leadership and uphold party supremacy. “We have no issues with Obi and Kwankwaso. When they joined, there was no contest. The presidential ticket was given to Peter Obi. Neither I nor any party official collected money before giving them the ticket,” he said. He warned against attempts to discredit the party’s leadership, insisting that supporters should not undermine the platform. “When they came in, we were all happy. Why should supporters be raising unnecessary questions? We will not allow anybody to come in and destroy our party,” he said. Dickson also denied allegations of imposing candidates, describing himself as “a builder and organiser.” “Our candidates emerged through consultations with stakeholders. We did not pick them from Abuja,” he said. He maintained that he would not allow the party to be weakened, noting that the NDC, as a new political platform, required protection and unity. On party primaries, Dickson said clashes of interest and ego were common and legitimate in politics but should be handled fairly. He criticised the current Electoral Act for abolishing the delegates system and compelling parties to conduct direct primaries, which he said posed logistical challenges, particularly for opposition parties. “In opposition, everyone is for himself, and this is the bane of our political system,” he said. Dickson added that the NDC planned to introduce digital voting for future primaries and assured aggrieved aspirants that reconciliation efforts were underway. UPDATE NEWS: Nigerians can now invest ₦2.5 million on premium domains and profit about ₦17-₦25 million . All earnings paid in US Dollars . Rather than wonder, click here to find out how it works . Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.
