By Oscar Okhifo
The National leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and former Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Seriake Dickson, has acknowledged shortcomings in the party’s recently concluded primary elections but dismissed suggestions that the challenges have plunged the party into crisis.
Speaking in a television interview on Wednesday night, Dickson said while aspects of the primaries fell short of expectations, the disputes arising from the exercise were not unusual in a growing political party and did not threaten its unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Some aspects of the process were not perfect,” Dickson admitted, attributing many of the challenges to the complexities associated with the direct primary system adopted by the party.
The former governor explained that some of the controversies surrounding candidate emergence stemmed from decisions taken at various levels of the party structure rather than actions of the national leadership, which he said remained committed to conducting a transparent and credible process.
His comments come amid complaints by some aspirants and party members in several states over alleged irregularities in the conduct of the primaries and the handling of candidate nominations.
However, Dickson insisted that the disagreements should not be mistaken for a party in turmoil.
“There is no crisis whatsoever,” he declared.
According to him, the intense competition witnessed during the primaries reflects the growing popularity and acceptance of the NDC across the country rather than internal disunity.
He argued that the increasing number of aspirants seeking elective offices on the party’s platform is evidence of rising public confidence in the NDC as it positions itself for the 2027 general elections.
Dickson thanked Nigerians for what he described as their growing trust in the party, noting that participation in recent party activities had exceeded expectations and demonstrated the NDC’s expanding national appeal.
He maintained that vigorous contests for party tickets are a normal feature of democratic politics and should be viewed as a sign of political vitality rather than organisational weakness.
According to him, the willingness of numerous aspirants to contest under the party’s banner underscores the belief among many Nigerians that the NDC offers a credible alternative in the country’s political landscape.
The former governor also expressed confidence that ongoing consultations and reconciliation efforts by the party leadership would address concerns raised by aggrieved aspirants and strengthen cohesion within the organisation.
His remarks come as the NDC intensifies preparations for the 2027 elections, with party leaders seeking to consolidate support and maintain unity following the conclusion of its primary election process.
Despite the criticisms trailing the exercise, Dickson said the party remains focused on its broader political objectives and is determined to emerge stronger from the internal contest.
“The level of interest and participation we have seen is a testament to the confidence Nigerians are placing in our party,” he said, adding that the NDC remains united and committed to providing effective leadership for the country.
The party leadership is expected to continue consultations with stakeholders across the states in the coming weeks as part of efforts to resolve outstanding grievances and build consensus ahead of the general election campaign. :::
By Oscar Okhifo
National leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and former Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Seriake Dickson, has acknowledged shortcomings in the party’s recently concluded primary elections but dismissed suggestions that the challenges have plunged the party into crisis.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday night, Dickson said while aspects of the primaries fell short of expectations, the disputes arising from the exercise were not unusual in a growing political party and did not threaten its unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Some aspects of the process were not perfect,” Dickson admitted, attributing many of the challenges to the complexities associated with the direct primary system adopted by the party.
The former governor explained that some of the controversies surrounding candidate emergence stemmed from decisions taken at various levels of the party structure rather than actions of the national leadership, which he said remained committed to conducting a transparent and credible process.
His comments come amid complaints by some aspirants and party members in several states over alleged irregularities in the conduct of the primaries and the handling of candidate nominations.
However, Dickson insisted that the disagreements should not be mistaken for a party in turmoil.
“There is no crisis whatsoever,” he declared.
According to him, the intense competition witnessed during the primaries reflects the growing popularity and acceptance of the NDC across the country rather than internal disunity.
He argued that the increasing number of aspirants seeking elective offices on the party’s platform is evidence of rising public confidence in the NDC as it positions itself for the 2027 general elections.
Dickson thanked Nigerians for what he described as their growing trust in the party, noting that participation in recent party activities had exceeded expectations and demonstrated the NDC’s expanding national appeal.
He maintained that vigorous contests for party tickets are a normal feature of democratic politics and should be viewed as a sign of political vitality rather than organisational weakness.
According to him, the willingness of numerous aspirants to contest under the party’s banner underscores the belief among many Nigerians that the NDC offers a credible alternative in the country’s political landscape.
The former governor also expressed confidence that ongoing consultations and reconciliation efforts by the party leadership would address concerns raised by aggrieved aspirants and strengthen cohesion within the organisation.
His remarks come as the NDC intensifies preparations for the 2027 elections, with party leaders seeking to consolidate support and maintain unity following the conclusion of its primary election process.
Despite the criticisms trailing the exercise, Dickson said the party remains focused on its broader political objectives and is determined to emerge stronger from the internal contest.
“The level of interest and participation we have seen is a testament to the confidence Nigerians are placing in our party,” he said, adding that the NDC remains united and committed to providing effective leadership for the country.
The party leadership is expected to continue consultations with stakeholders across the states in the coming weeks as part of efforts to resolve outstanding grievances and build consensus ahead of the general election campaign.