The senator criticised supporters of Obi who have allegedly attacked the party and its leadership, arguing that such actions are counterproductive and ultimately harmful to the political platform carrying their preferred candidate.
The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, has dismissed claims that the opposition party should be grateful to Peter Obi for emerging as its presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that the platform is instead doing politicians a favour by offering them a vehicle to contest.
Dickson, a former governor of Bayelsa State, made the remarks during an appearance on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Wednesday amid growing tensions between some members of the Obidient Movement and leaders of the party.
“Don’t make it look like anyone is doing NDC a favour. No one is,” Dickson said.
“Rather, the NDC and I and my colleagues are doing people a favour by granting our platform.”
The senator criticised supporters of Obi who have allegedly attacked the party and its leadership, arguing that such actions are counterproductive and ultimately harmful to the political platform carrying their preferred candidate.
“If you are genuinely supporting Peter Obi and you are disparaging me, the leader, or the platform itself. That is nonsensical,” he said.
Dickson said the party had demonstrated goodwill and confidence in Obi by adopting him as its sole presidential candidate without controversy and by successfully selecting a running mate without internal wrangling.
According to him, neither Obi nor other top beneficiaries of the party’s ticket paid for the privilege.
“Nobody paid shishi. So, if a presidential candidate didn’t pay shishi to be made the sole presidential candidate and sole vice-presidential candidate, that same party cannot be the one saying that small people are underprivileged,” he said.
The former governor also rejected suggestions that he lacked the political credentials or experience to seek the presidency himself, insisting that he possesses the qualifications required to contest for Nigeria’s highest office.
“I could have run. There’s no one more qualified than me. There’s no one more qualified than me to run for presidential candidate. None,” he added.
Dickson further argued that the NDC had already established a national presence before the arrival of Obi and former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, stressing that the party’s growth and relevance are not tied to any single politician.
According to him, the platform had attracted politicians and supporters from different parts of the country long before the entry of the two political heavyweights.
His comments come amid increasing debate within opposition circles over the future of the NDC and the role of prominent political figures ahead of the 2027 presidential election.