Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, a national leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has boldly declared that he is the most qualified person to run for the presidency of Nigeria. Speaking on Arise Television's 'Prime Time' programme on Wednesday night, June 10, Dickson refuted claims that Peter Gregory Obi's candidacy is a favour to the NDC, asserting his own credentials while calling for party unity.
Dickson's Assertion of Qualifications
Dickson, a former governor of Bayelsa State, stated: "There's no one more qualified than me to run for the presidency of Nigeria. None. You are talking of names because they have tried. Okay? And for some reasons, I did not want to. So 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 to them."
He emphasized that this narrative is important and urged supporters to avoid actions that could undermine the party. Dickson added: "You cannot be supporting Peter Obi, if you are genuinely supporting him and you are disparaging me, the leader, or the platform itself. That is nonsensical. If it were easy for people to form a party, go and form yours."
Background on the NDC Presidential Ticket
In late May, the NDC officially named Peter Obi as its presidential candidate and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso as his running mate for the 2027 general election. Dickson noted that before Obi and Kwankwaso joined, many Nigerians from various regions had approached the party, including Marafa from Zamfara and Binani from Adamawa.
He stressed: "The platform is there. Peter Obi is a cherished member of our party. And on our own, we have made him a presidential candidate, sole presidential candidate, sole. And that counts for something, okay? And also, his running mate, Kwankwaso, the same thing. And we are working well together. I must let you know this. There's no crisis."
Unity and Support for the NDC Platform
Dickson expressed concern over supporters who disparage the party platform, stating: "It is these supporters who I don't know what they gain by disparaging a platform that the person they are supporting is running on." He called for caution as the party moves forward.
The NDC's presidential ticket for the 2027 elections is set, with Peter Obi as candidate and Rabiu Kwankwaso as his running mate. Nigeria's next general election is scheduled for January 16, 2027, where voters will elect a president and vice president. Incumbent President Bola Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is expected to seek re-election.
Recent Defections to the NDC
Earlier, Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central, formally announced his defection from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the NDC, citing prolonged internal disputes and unending litigation within his former party. Umeh stated that he made the decision after wide consultations with his family, constituents, and supporters.
This development follows a series of high-profile defections to the NDC, including that of Senator Kabiru Marafa and Senator Aishatu Binani, as the party consolidates its position ahead of the 2027 elections.
