NDC Primaries: ‘Party dispute caused by Electoral Act’- Dickson 

The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, has blamed recent disputes in the party’s primaries on the Electoral Act, insisting compulsory direct primaries overstretch party structures and fuel avoidable tensions.

Speaking on Arise News on Wednesday, Dickson said the legal requirements, though well-intentioned, have created logistical bottlenecks, especially for fast-growing parties like the NDC.

“The challenges we are seeing are not peculiar to the NDC. They are a direct consequence of the Electoral Act’s imposition of mandatory direct primaries,” he said, warning that even established parties face disputes and litigation under the law.

Dickson explained that the party’s rapid expansion, combined with statutory all-inclusive primaries, had led to multiple outcomes in some states. He added that internal mechanisms were in place to resolve complaints before submitting final lists to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“There is no crisis in the NDC. What we are managing is the reality of rapid growth under a rigid electoral framework,” Dickson said.

The former Bayelsa governor dismissed allegations of monetised party tickets, insisting that nominations were strictly merit-based.

He further cautioned supporters of Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso against disparaging the party’s leadership. “Supporters must be disciplined. Disparaging the leadership of the NDC weakens the very platform their preferred candidates depend on,” he said.

Dickson’s warning underscores the political tension within opposition ranks as the party positions itself for the 2027 elections.