NDC Leader Dickson Says Party Does Candidates a Favor by Providing 2027 Election Platform
NDC National Leader Seriake Dickson stated Wednesday night (June 10) that his party is doing candidates a favor by providing a platform for the 2027 general elections, countering criticisms from Obidient Movement supporters who allege NDC leaders are hostile to Peter Obi's camp. Speaking on Arise TV's Prime Time, Dickson dismissed notions that NDC should be grateful to Obi or other politicians for joining, insisting 'the NDC and I and my colleagues are doing people a favor by granting our platform.'
He emphasized that neither Obi nor vice-presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso paid 'shishi' (nothing) to secure their positions, arguing this undermines claims of privileging certain groups. Dickson noted he could have run for president himself but chose not to, stating 'There’s no one more qualified than me to run for the presidency of Nigeria.'
The NDC leader also highlighted the party's growth through defections before Obi and Kwankwaso joined, citing politicians like Kabir Marafa from Zamfara and Aishatu Dahiru Binani. He affirmed Obi remains 'a cherished member of our party' with 'no crisis' despite external criticisms.
This internal positioning reveals how opposition parties frame their value propositions ahead of 2027—will voters see NDC as empowering candidates or as seeking relevance through high-profile adopters?