NDC DINNER: Dickson says party emerging as fastest-growing opposition in Nigeria

Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Henry Seriake Dickson, has described the party as the fastest-growing political platform in Nigeria, saying the NDC has rapidly emerged as a cohesive opposition force within a few months of its formation.

Dickson made the remarks during a dinner meeting held for governorship and National Assembly aspirants of the party in Abuja.

The event was attended by former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, while former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, was said to be absent due to party engagements in Kano ahead of the primaries.

Speaking at the gathering, Dickson thanked aspirants and party stakeholders for believing in the ideals and vision of the NDC despite initial doubts surrounding the party’s chances at inception.

“When the party was founded, many people did not give us any chance, but by the grace of God, within a few months, the NDC has emerged as the fastest-growing political party and the most cohesive opposition platform in the country,” he said.

The former Bayelsa governor also commended party officials and members for their sacrifices and dedication toward building the party since its establishment.

He particularly praised the Screening Committee chaired by former Ebonyi State Governor and ex-Minister, Sam Egwu, for what he described as professionalism and commitment during the screening of aspirants.

Dickson said the party remained committed to building strong democratic institutions and transparent internal processes capable of sustaining long-term political development in the country.

According to him, the inauguration of the party’s Selection Committee was part of efforts to strengthen consultation, credibility, and strategic planning within the nomination process.

He disclosed that the committee, chaired by the National Chairman alongside other party leaders, would review reports from the Screening Committee and consult widely with stakeholders before making recommendations on candidates.

The NDC leader said the committee would consider competence, local political realities, and the overall interests of the party in its decisions. He encouraged aspirants to embrace consensus arrangements wherever possible to reduce internal conflicts and strengthen unity within the party ahead of the elections.

However, he assured members that democratic primaries would be conducted in line with the party’s constitution and guidelines where consensus could not be achieved.

He reminded aspirants that only one candidate would eventually emerge for each position but assured them that the party would continue to recognise and accommodate members who had contributed to the growth of the NDC. According to him, the NDC was being developed as a long-term ideological political movement rather than a platform for temporary political interests and opportunistic alliances.

Dickson further disclosed that the party was compiling a comprehensive database of aspirants and supporters who had contributed to its development.

He said such individuals would continue to play active roles in the affairs of the party, including participation in the presidential campaign structure and strategic committees expected to be constituted soon.

The former governor also revealed plans by the party to introduce electronic systems for future primary elections to improve transparency, efficiency, and credibility in the nomination process. He explained that the current largely manual process being used for the primaries was due to the limited time ahead of the elections.