Senator Seriake Dickson, the National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has firmly dismissed assertions that the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is doing the platform a favour by contesting the 2027 presidency under its banner. 

In a fiery television interview, the former Bayelsa State Governor declared that he is equally, if not more, qualified than Obi to run for the nation’s highest office, asserting that the party is the one granting a favour to the candidates .

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Wednesday, Dickson sought to correct what he described as a false narrative suggesting that the newly formed NDC relies on the popularity of its new entrants for survival. He emphasized that the party had established structures across the country and attracted other political heavyweights long before Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, joined the fold .

In a direct challenge to those who might question his political standing, Dickson stated unequivocally that he possesses the credentials to occupy the nation’s highest office.

“I could have run. There’s no one more qualified than me to run for president of Nigeria. None. You are talking of names because they have tried. And for some reasons, I did not want to. So don’t make it look like anyone is doing NDC a favour,” he said .

The Senator’s remarks come amid reports of a rift within the party’s leadership, particularly regarding the management of campaign funds and the autonomy of the ‘Obidient’ movement. Tensions reportedly escalated after the NDC leadership issued a directive mandating that all campaign funds be routed strictly through official party channels, effectively placing independent mobilization groups under central control . Dickson warned that while the party appreciates the massive support base Obi brings, it will not tolerate disrespect towards its leadership.

Addressing the Obidient supporters directly, Dickson described those who attack the party while claiming to support Obi as engaging in “nonsensical” behavior. He argued that it is illogical for supporters to undermine the very vehicle that will take their candidate to the Presidential Villa. “You cannot be supporting Peter Obi, if you are genuinely supporting him, and you are disparaging me, the leader, or the platform itself. That is nonsensical. If it were easy for people to form a party, well form yours,” he declared .

Dickson further revealed that neither Obi nor Kwankwaso paid a single naira to secure the party’s presidential and vice-presidential tickets, insisting that the NDC does not sell its nominations to the highest bidders. He stressed that rather than seeking favours, the NDC is providing a crucial platform for the candidates to actualize their ambitions, and any attempt to run down the party would ultimately hurt the opposition’s chances in the 2027 general elections .