Seriake Dickson says he’s more qualified than Obi, Kwankwaso for presidency
Seriake Dickson, former Bayelsa governor and senator, stated on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Wednesday (June 9, 2026) that he believes he is more qualified to run for Nigeria’s presidency than opposition leaders Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, while emphasizing that he personally chose not to seek the office.
He said the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) offered its platform to Obi and his running mate without demanding any payment, rejecting claims that the party benefits from Obi’s presence. Dickson dismissed reports of internal crisis, saying Obi remains a valued party member and that tensions stem from some supporters disparaging the party while claiming to back Obi. He added that several politicians had approached the NDC before Obi joined, underscoring the party’s role in building an alternative political movement ahead of the 2027 elections.
Dickson asserted that, despite his confidence in his own qualifications, he did not want to run, urging supporters not to frame his decision as a favour to him or the NDC. He stressed that the party is granting a platform, not receiving one. Considering his self‑assessment and the NDC’s positioning for 2027, what qualifications and party dynamics do you think are most important for Nigeria’s next president?