Seriake Dickson, national leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has declared that no politician is more qualified than him to contest the presidency.
Speaking on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’ programme on Wednesday, Dickson said that despite possessing extensive experience and credentials for the nation’s highest office, he deliberately chose not to enter the race.
He was responding to the interviewer’s suggestion that Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso—alongside their large followings—had single-handedly elevated the NDC by joining the party.
“I could have run. There’s no one more qualified than me. There’s no one more qualified than me to run for presidential candidate. None,” he said.
The former Bayelsa governor added that the NDC does not depend on any individual for relevance. He emphasised that the party’s leadership and founding members have built a credible platform for politicians and supporters seeking political change.
“You are talking about names because they have gained traction, and for reasons of my own I chose not to run,” Dickson said.
“But it should not be made to look like anyone is doing the NDC a favour. Rather, the NDC, my colleagues, and I are the ones offering people a platform.”
He stressed that support for any individual within the party must come with respect for its structures and leadership. He argued that it is contradictory for supporters of political figures to endorse individuals while disparaging the platform that accommodates them.
“You cannot claim to support Peter Obi while at the same time disparaging me, the leadership, or the platform itself,” he said.
“If it were easy for people to form a party, then go and form yours. Respect for the platform and its leadership is essential.
“Before Peter and Kwankwaso came, Nigerians from all walks of life were coming to our party. I received Marafa from Zamfara and Binani from Adamawa and several other people across the country for four months, five months.
“People should be careful as we move on.”
Dickson also warned that the Obidient and Kwankwasiyya movements risk harming the chances of the NDC’s presidential ticket if they continue to “run down” the party.