Dickson won't betray Obi and Kwankwaso, says NDC

The Nigeria Democratic Congress has rejected claims that its National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, is secretly working with the ruling All Progressives Congress to sabotage the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, ahead of the 2027 elections.

The party called the allegation false and harmful, insisting that Dickson is committed to the NDC and its presidential ticket.

Osa Director, the NDC National Publicity Secretary, made this known in a statement in Abuja on Monday. He was responding to what he called “malicious lies” against the former governor of Bayelsa State.

Director said there is no agreement, secret or open, between Dickson and the APC. He argued that Dickson’s political history does not support such claims.

He stated, “Our National Leader, Distinguished Senator Seriake Dickson, is not a front for the ruling APC or anyone else. He has no secret or open deal whatsoever with the ruinous and diabolical APC regime.”

This controversy arises as opposition parties ramp up their preparations for the 2027 presidential election. The NDC is positioning Obi and Kwankwaso as its candidates against the ruling APC.

The party highlighted that Dickson could have joined the APC but chose to support the NDC alongside other opposition leaders who want to challenge the ruling party.

“Anyone who knows Senator Dickson’s public service record, and is in his right senses, will not associate him with any under-the-table arrangement to sabotage his own party and its presidential candidate and running mate, Peter Obi and Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso.

“Senator Dickson could have taken the easy way out by joining the APC. Instead, he chose the hard, honourable path of building a party with like-minded people, a party that will liberate Nigeria from the vice grip of the buccaneers currently in power,” Director explained.

He also mentioned Dickson’s time in the Senate, where he served for over seven years, as proof of his opposition to the current government's policies.

“His consistent, courageous and principled position on national issues on the floor of the Senate for over seven years is a clear testament to his strength of character and unwavering solidarity with suffering Nigerians, whose misery has worsened and intensified under this administration,” he added.

The NDC spokesperson accused unnamed political opponents of fueling these allegations. He said they are worried about the growing acceptance of the opposition party as the 2027 elections approach.

Director urged NDC members, supporters, and other stakeholders to stay focused on the party’s campaign. He asked them to work towards victory for Obi, Kwankwaso, and other candidates running under its platform.

He said, “Consequently, it is wicked, vexatious and mendacious to associate his name with any compromise with the ruling APC and its key drivers.

“We are fully aware that these unfounded and baseless allegations are coming from our political opponents, who are envious of the growing popularity, acceptability and organic spread of the NDC across Nigeria.

“We urge all our teeming supporters, members and well-wishers to remain steadfast, keep their eyes on the ball, and work hard for victory for our presidential candidate and his running mate, and indeed all candidates contesting on the NDC platform. Together, we stand. Together, we shall win. A New Nigeria is Possible. We can do it!”