Senator Seriake Dickson has declared that he is as qualified as the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to contest for Nigeria’s highest office, insisting that Obi’s emergence as the party’s flag-bearer does not amount to a favour to the party.
Speaking on ARISE PrimeTime on Thursday , the former Bayelsa State governor rejected suggestions that Obi’s political profile has elevated the party, arguing instead that the NDC has provided a credible platform for the former Anambra State governor.
Dickson maintained that while Obi remains a respected member of the party, it is misleading to portray the NDC as dependent on his popularity for relevance.
“There’s no one more qualified than me to run for president of Nigeria. None. People are mentioning names because they have tried before, but for some reasons, I chose not to,” he said.
He added that the party should be credited for granting its platform to high-profile politicians, rather than being seen as benefiting from their individual influence.
“Don’t make it look like anyone is doing the NDC a favour. No one is. Rather, the NDC and my colleagues are doing people a favour by granting our platform to them,” he stated.
The senator also cautioned supporters of Peter Obi against what he described as disparaging remarks toward the party’s leadership and structure, warning that such conduct could undermine internal cohesion.
“You cannot genuinely support Peter Obi and at the same time disparage me, the leadership, or the platform itself. That is nonsensical,” he said.
Dickson noted that the party had attracted interest from several prominent political figures across the country, including former governors and governorship candidates, before and after Obi’s emergence.
Despite his strong remarks, he reaffirmed Obi’s position within the party, describing him as a “cherished member” who had been given the party’s presidential ticket.
“Peter Obi is a cherished member of our party, and on our own we have made him the sole presidential candidate. That counts for something,” he added.
