While no political process is flawless, the party leader demonstrated discipline and commitment in resolving disputes that emerged after the primaries
By Moses Okorie
Candidates of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) have lauded the party’s National Leader, Sen. Henry Seriake Dickson, for his role in steering the party through the challenges surrounding its primary elections and candidate nomination process after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released the party’s list of candidates.
The commendations came after weeks of anxiety among aspirants, particularly those seeking election into the National Assembly, over delays in the publication of the party’s candidates by the electoral commission.
With the release of the list, several candidates said Dickson’s leadership and reconciliation efforts helped preserve unity within the party at a period when internal disagreements threatened its cohesion.
The NDC candidate for Abia Central Senatorial District, former Senator Nkechi Nwaogu, described Dickson’s handling of the nomination process as responsible and focused on the party’s overall interest.
She acknowledged that while no political process is flawless, the party leader demonstrated discipline and commitment in resolving disputes that emerged after the primaries.
Nwaogu also appealed to aspirants who were unsuccessful at the primaries to remain loyal to the party, stressing that electoral contests naturally produce both winners and losers.
She urged them to support the party’s candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, expressing confidence that future opportunities would be available for those who did not secure tickets this time.
Several other party members also rejected allegations that NDC tickets were allocated to the highest bidders, insisting that the primaries were conducted transparently.
One unsuccessful House of Representatives aspirant based in Canada said Dickson neither interfered in the work of state stakeholders nor influenced the decisions of committees responsible for conducting the primaries.
Instead, he said, the former Bayelsa State governor devoted considerable time after the exercises to reconciling aggrieved aspirants and resolving disputes that arose in different states.
An Edo State aspirant also dismissed claims that aspirants were compelled to pay for party tickets, saying he met Dickson on several occasions without any discussion about money.
According to him, the party leader had made significant personal sacrifices to nurture the relatively new political party and deserved recognition for his efforts.
He called on members to unite behind the party’s presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, his running mate, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and all other NDC candidates in the forthcoming elections.
Meanwhile, Mazi Nnamdi Dickson Iroegbu, who sought the NDC ticket for the Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala Federal Constituency in Imo State but was unsuccessful, accepted the outcome of the nomination process and urged party members to close ranks.
In a Facebook post following the publication of the candidates’ list by INEC, Iroegbu said although his ambition did not materialise, his commitment to serving his people remained unwavering.
He congratulated the party’s candidates and encouraged his supporters to remain steadfast in their support for the NDC, its leadership and candidates throughout the electioneering period.
The reactions from party candidates underscore renewed efforts by the NDC leadership to foster unity and consolidate support ahead of the 2027 general elections following the conclusion of its candidate nomination process.