The Nigeria Democratic Congress has dismissed allegations that its National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, is secretly working with the ruling All Progressives Congress to undermine the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party described the allegation as false and malicious, insisting that Dickson remained committed to the NDC and its presidential ticket.
The NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, stated this in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday while reacting to what he described as “malicious lies” against the former Bayelsa State governor.
Director said there was no secret or open agreement between Dickson and the APC, arguing that the former governor’s political record did not support such an allegation.
He said, “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.”
The controversy comes as opposition parties intensify preparations for the 2027 presidential election, with the NDC positioning Obi and Kwankwaso as its candidates against the ruling APC.
However, the party said Dickson could have joined the APC but instead chose to help build the NDC with other opposition figures seeking 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 argued.
He also cited Dickson’s record in the Senate, where he served for more than seven years, as evidence of his opposition to the policies of the current administration.
“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 spokesman accused unnamed political opponents of sponsoring the allegations, claiming that they were unsettled by the growing acceptance of the opposition party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Director urged NDC members, supporters and other stakeholders to remain focused on the party’s campaign and work towards victory for Obi, Kwankwaso and other candidates contesting 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 emanating from the ranks of our political opponents, who are envious of the growing popularity, acceptability and organic spread of the NDC across the length and breadth of Nigeria.
“We urge all our teeming supporters, members and well-wishers to remain steadfast, keep their eyes on the ball, and work assiduously for victory for our presidential candidate and his running mate, and indeed all candidates contesting on the platform of the NDC. Together, we stand. Together, we shall win. A New Nigeria is POssible. We can do it!”
Credit: Punch