“I have not endorsed anyone,” Dickson speaks as tension mounts over NDC primaries

By Ayorinde Oluokun

The National Leader of Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson has appealed for calm as tension grows in many parts of the country over the primaries of the party scheduled to hold between today, Friday, 29th May and tomorrow.

Members of the party are expected to affirm Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra State as the party’s 2027 presidential candidate later today.

Primaries are also expected to hold across the country to elect the candidates of the party for state houses of assembly, governorship, House of Representatives and National Assembly contests in the 2027 general election.

However, claims that the Dickson led leadership may have endorsed some aspirants ahead of the primaries have led to tension among members.

Videos of some members of the party protesting alleged endorsement of some aspirants by the Dickson led national leadership of the party have been making the rounds on the social media.

In one instance, supporters of a female senatorial aspirant were seen at the home of the Senator very early on Friday morning extracting promise from him that candidates for the National Assembly positions will emerge through free and fair primary election.

However, in reaction to the growing tension, Dickson said in a post on his social media handles on Friday that he has not endorsed anyone for any position.

He also appealed for understanding and cooperation from all aspirants to ensure the success of the primaries across the country.

the Bayelsa Senator said he has not endorsed anyone, even in his home state while appealing for aspirants to put the interest of the party above their ambitions.

Dickson, in the statement said, “We have done our best in creating opportunities for stakeholders and aspirants to meet in various states to iron out issues. We are aware that periods of primary elections are often filled with tensions and clashes of interest, and we therefore call for understanding and mutual respect. Aspirants and stakeholders should put the overall interest of the party above personal interests.

“All aspirants have equal protection, and that is why I have not endorsed anyone, even in my home state. The same principle applies across the country. I know that in some states the contest is fiercer than in others, but even in those circumstances, I urge everyone to put the interest of our party first.

“Everyone should realise that we are a young party, barely three to four months old, but with great ambitions. Some of us, especially members of the leadership, have hardly had proper sleep since January. We have worked tirelessly every day, from morning till night, and under very difficult circumstances, to give life to our party and to meet the tight INEC deadlines. But God has been merciful, and Nigerians have been supportive.

“Therefore, all those aspiring on our platform should understand the sacrifices that have been made, and we call on them also to make sacrifices in the interest of the party and the democracy of Nigeria.

“There are no endorsed candidates anywhere. We enjoin everyone to go out and participate freely in the primaries. I call for free and fair elections. There should be respect for, and protection of, women, youths and the disabled during the primaries.”

He also appealed to aspirants who may disagree with any decision to follow the party’s appellate process to air their grievances.

He also promised that NDC will shift from manual to electronic voting for future primaries with clear rules that will be formulated to make the process more transparent.

“For now, this party is a miracle baby. It is a miracle that within such a short period we have achieved this milestone because of the hard work, dedication, and sacrifice of all of us. People should therefore protect and respect the party, even if the outcome does not favour them, because there is always another day.

“Meanwhile, the party leadership will set up an Appeal Committee to listen to grievances and complaints that may arise from this exercise. We call on everyone to bear with the party regarding any inconveniences and shortcomings that may occur.

“I wish all aspirants the very best of luck.”