The founder and National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has declared that the party will not serve as a temporary political platform for personal ambition, urging party leaders and aspirants to remain committed to building a lasting democratic institution.
Dickson made the remarks during the inauguration of the NDC National Selection Committee in Abuja, where he reaffirmed the party’s commitment to innovation, transparency, and institutional democracy ahead of its forthcoming primaries and political activities.
The senator stated that the NDC was founded to redefine political culture in Nigeria by building enduring structures, systems, and processes capable of outlasting individual interests.
“We are not building a special-purpose vehicle for any individual. We are building, together, a political party that will stand the test of time,” Dickson said.
His comments are believed to be directed at prominent political figures and new entrants into the party, including former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as well as other political stakeholders who recently aligned with the party.
According to Dickson, the NDC remains committed to institutional politics rather than personality-driven leadership.
“In the NDC, we are building a party that is an institution. We are building systems, standards, and processes,” he stated.
At the event, Senator Cleopatra Moses Zuwohe, the party’s National Chairman, was inaugurated as Chairman of the National Selection Committee.
Other members of the committee include Conrad Babatunde Ali, Alhaji Sidi Abdul Bomi, Alhaji Mohamed Barkin Zuwo, Dr Danlami Ara, Barrister Frederick E. Ogwotorufa, Chief Teddy Ube, Chief Barnabas J. Njesi, Pastor Dr Mrs Adidayo Ekon, Yehusi Tanko, Dr Moses Paul, Professor Osita Obu, Chief Benji Oba, His Excellency Aminu Abdulsalam, Danladi Abdulhamid, Professor Udenta Udenta, Barrister Ruben Ebuaba, Dudu Maman Manoga, Dr Grace M. Onyekusiobi, and Alhaji Shitu Mohamed.
Addressing aspirants, lawmakers, members of the National Working Committee, and stakeholders, Dickson explained that the committee would consult widely with party leaders across states and constituencies to ensure fairness, consensus-building, and transparency during the nomination process.
“All politics is local at the end of the day. This committee has the mandate to handle issues people may not ordinarily want to address,” he said.
The former Bayelsa State governor commended party officials and supporters for their sacrifices and dedication since the formation of the party.
“There has been no peace of mind, no rest from morning till night. This gives confidence to members of the party and assures them of our fairness and preparedness,” he added.
Dickson also acknowledged the legal and political challenges faced by the party since its emergence, noting that critics had doubted the NDC’s ability to meet the requirements of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“Every day, there were frivolous claims, counterclaims, nonexistent litigation, and appeals aimed at discouraging us. But Nigerians chose to believe in the NDC,” he said.
The senator maintained that the increasing acceptance of the party across the country demonstrated Nigerians’ desire for a new political direction.
Quoting a saying widely attributed to Mahatma Gandhi, Dickson said the party had evolved from being ignored to becoming a formidable political force:
“First, they ignore you. Then, they laugh at you. Then, they fight you. Then, you win,” he remarked.
Obi Urges Aspirants Not to Lose Hope, Says Sacrifices Will Not Be in Vain
Also speaking, former Anambra State Governor and chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, urged aspirants and members of the party not to lose hope if they fail to secure nominations, assuring them that their sacrifices for the country and the party would not be forgotten.
