Bold Claim Sparks Debate As Dickson Insists He’s Nigeria’s Most Qualified Presidential Hopeful

National leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, has declared that he is better qualified than any other opposition figure to contest for Nigeria’s presidency but deliberately chose not to pursue the position.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking on Wednesday during an appearance on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme, the former Bayelsa State governor discussed the NDC, its leadership, and its relationship with Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.

Dickson revealed that the NDC provided its platform to Obi without demanding any financial contribution, insisting that both Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, secured their nominations without paying a kobo.

According to him, the party deserves recognition for making Obi its sole presidential candidate and offering him a platform ahead of the 2027 elections.

“If we didn’t trust them or believe in them, we wouldn’t have offered the platform. They didn’t pay one naira or even a ‘shishi’ for the ticket,” Dickson said.

He rejected suggestions that the NDC was benefiting from Obi’s membership, arguing instead that the party was extending an opportunity to the former Anambra governor.

“I deserve credit. There is no one more qualified than me to run for the presidency, but for my own reasons, I chose not to. No one is doing me or the NDC a favour. The NDC is the one providing the platform, and that fact must be recognised,” he stated.

Addressing reports of internal disagreements within the party, Dickson maintained that Obi remains a valued member of the NDC and that there is no crisis within its ranks.

He, however, criticised some of Obi’s supporters for allegedly attacking the party and its leadership while professing loyalty to the former presidential candidate.

“You cannot genuinely support Peter Obi and at the same time undermine me as the party leader or disparage the platform. That makes no sense,” he said.

Dickson also disclosed that several politicians had sought to join the NDC before Obi’s arrival, citing former Adamawa governorship candidate Aishatu Binani and others as examples.

Reaffirming the party’s commitment to Obi, Dickson described him as a respected member of the NDC and said the leadership continues to work closely with him.

“Peter Obi is a cherished member of the party. We made him the sole presidential candidate, and that means something. We are working together well. There is no crisis; it is only some supporters who continue to attack the platform,” he added.