National leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Henry Seriake Dickson, has urged supporters of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to stop criticising the party and its leadership, warning that such actions could undermine the platform they hope will deliver victory in the 2027 elections.
Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Wednesday, June 10, Dickson said it was illogical for individuals claiming to support Obi to simultaneously attack the party that handed him its presidential ticket.
“If you are genuinely supporting Peter Obi and you are disparaging me, the leader, or the platform itself. That is nonsensical,” he said.
The former Bayelsa State governor stressed that the NDC had shown confidence in Obi by adopting him as its sole presidential candidate without requiring him to compete in a primary election.
“Peter Obi is a cherished member of our party,” he said.
“On our own, we have made him a presidential candidate. Sole presidential candidate. And that counts for something. We are working well together. There’s no crisis.”
Dickson dismissed reports suggesting tensions within the party, insisting that the NDC leadership and its presidential ticket remain united ahead of the 2027 polls.
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He also rejected claims that Obi or any other political figure had done the party a favour by joining it.
“Don’t make it look like anyone is doing NDC a favour. No one is,” Dickson said.
“Rather, the NDC and I and my colleagues are doing people a favour by granting our platform.”
According to him, the party opened its doors to politicians from different parts of the country long before Obi and former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, became members.
Dickson further noted that Obi and his running mate emerged without paying for the positions.
“Nobody paid shishi. So, if a presidential candidate didn’t pay shishi to be made the sole presidential candidate and sole vice-presidential candidate, that same party cannot be the one saying that small people are underprivileged,” he said.
He concluded by saying supporters should focus on strengthening the party rather than attacking those who built it, arguing that internal divisions would only weaken the chances of NDC candidates at the polls.