NDC Leader Dickson Reveals How Obi Freely Picked Kwankwaso As Running Mate

The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, has said the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, was given the freedom to select his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, without any form of interference.

Dickson made the disclosure on Thursday during an NDC stakeholders’ meeting, adding that the party also offered Obi its presidential ticket without collecting any payment.

He questioned critics and supporters of the Obidient movement over what further expectations they have from him and the party.

“We gave Obi the presidential ticket free of charge and allowed him to choose his vice-presidential candidate without any interference. What else do people want?” he said.

Dickson stressed that the party leadership, including himself and the national chairman, did not demand or receive any money from the process.

“At this point, we should be working together to ensure victory in 2027. I believe we can achieve that,” he added.

Dickson Rejects Claims of Ticket Sales

The NDC leader also dismissed allegations that the party sells nomination tickets or allows powerful individuals to hijack the process in some states.

He maintained that such claims were not supported by evidence at the national leadership level.

Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Wednesday, Dickson said the party was addressing internal disputes in states such as Edo and Imo, where aspirants had raised concerns over alleged irregularities in primaries.

He noted that in some cases, multiple aspirants—sometimes up to 20—contested for a single position, naturally leading to disagreements.

Dickson also rejected claims that wealth determines access to party tickets, insisting that the NDC does not sell nominations based on financial strength.

“Nobody has come forward with evidence that the National Working Committee or national leadership collected money in exchange for tickets,” he said.

However, he acknowledged that financial capacity remains a factor in modern politics, noting that candidates must be able to fund viable campaigns.

He stressed that internal party disputes are being handled within established structures and should not be interpreted as a sign of systemic failure within the party.