National leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, says no politician is more qualified than him to contest for Nigeria’s presidency.
Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Wednesday, the former Bayelsa State governor said he deliberately chose not to seek the party’s presidential ticket despite having the experience and credentials for the office.
Dickson made the remarks while responding to claims that Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso significantly boosted the NDC’s profile by joining the party.
“I could have run. There’s no one more qualified than me. There’s no one more qualified than me to run for president. None,” he said.
He stressed that the NDC’s relevance does not depend on any individual, noting that the party’s leadership and founding members created a credible platform for politicians seeking change.
“You are talking about names because they have gained traction, and for reasons of my own I chose not to run,” he said.
“But it should not be made to look like anyone is doing the NDC a favour. Rather, the NDC, my colleagues and I are the ones offering people a platform.”
Dickson said supporters of Obi and Kwankwaso must respect the party’s structures and leadership, warning against praising individuals while undermining the platform that accommodates them.
“You cannot claim to support Peter Obi while at the same time disparaging me, the leadership, or the platform itself,” he said.
“If it were easy for people to form a party, then go and form yours. Respect for the platform and its leadership is essential.”
He added that many prominent politicians had joined the NDC before Obi and Kwankwaso, citing former Zamfara senator Kabiru Marafa and former Adamawa governorship candidate Aishatu Binani among those who had identified with the party.
Dickson warned that the Obidient and Kwankwasiyya movements could weaken the chances of securing the party’s presidential ticket if they continued to undermine the NDC.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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