No Preferred Candidates Anywhere, Dickson Tells NDC Members

National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has denied endorsing any aspirant ahead of the party’s nationwide primaries as tension and protests continue to build among members across the country.

The former Bayelsa State governor made the clarification on Friday through a statement posted on his social media handles amid allegations that the party leadership had secretly backed preferred candidates for various elective positions.

The NDC is expected to hold primaries across the country between Friday and Saturday to elect candidates for governorship, National Assembly, House of Representatives and state assembly positions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Party members are also expected to affirm Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State, as the party’s presidential candidate.

However, the process has already generated controversy in several states, with videos circulating online showing party supporters protesting alleged interference and candidate imposition by the national leadership.

In one of the incidents, supporters of a female senatorial aspirant reportedly stormed Dickson’s residence early Friday morning demanding assurances that the primaries would be conducted fairly and transparently.

Responding to the growing tension, Dickson insisted that he had not endorsed any aspirant for any office, including in his home state of Bayelsa.

“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,” he said.

The senator appealed to party members and aspirants to place the overall interest of the NDC above personal ambition, noting that the party remains relatively new and still undergoing institutional development.

“We have done our best in creating opportunities for stakeholders and aspirants to meet in various states to iron out issues,” he stated.

“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.”

Dickson acknowledged that competition in some states had become particularly intense but urged party members not to allow disagreements weaken the party’s long-term objectives.

“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,” he added.

The NDC leader described the party as a “miracle baby,” noting that it was remarkable that a political platform barely three to four months old had already gained significant national attention and momentum.

“Some of us, especially members of the leadership, have hardly had proper sleep since January. We have worked tirelessly every day under difficult circumstances to give life to this party and meet INEC deadlines,” he said.

Dickson also announced plans to establish an Appeal Committee that would address complaints and grievances arising from the primary elections.

He assured members that the party leadership would continue working towards more transparent processes, including a future transition from manual voting systems to electronic voting during primaries.

“There are no endorsed candidates anywhere. Everyone should go out and participate freely in the primaries. There should be respect for, and protection of, women, youths and persons living with disabilities during the exercise,” he stated.

He urged aggrieved aspirants to pursue lawful internal mechanisms rather than actions capable of damaging the party’s unity.

“For now, this party is a miracle baby. People should therefore protect and respect the party even if the outcome does not favour them, because there is always another day,” Dickson said.