'It's nonsensical to support Obi and disparage me, NDC', Seriake Dickson

In a stern warning, Senator Seriake Dickson, the national leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has told supporters of the party's presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to stop disparaging the party and its leadership. For Dickson, it's nonsensical that individuals who genuinely support Obi would undermine the platform on which he is contesting. This comes as the NDC and the Labour Party (LP) are both vying for the presidency in the 2027 election, with Obi as the LP's candidate and Dickson's party serving as the vehicle for his and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, to secure victory.

Dickson's argument is that Obi's supporters cannot have it both ways, they cannot support the candidate while disparaging the platform that's carrying him to the Villa. It's a fair point, considering the NDC has invested time and resources into building a strong foundation for Obi's campaign. For Dickson, it's illogical for supporters to prioritize their candidate over the party that's giving him a chance to win. "You cannot be supporting Peter Obi, if you are genuinely supporting him, and you are disparaging me, the leader, or the platform itself. That is nonsensical," Dickson said.

Dickson has also sought to dispel reports of internal turmoil within the NDC, insisting that the party remains united despite disagreements arising from its recent primary elections. While acknowledging complaints from some aspirants over the conduct of the party's primaries, Dickson attributed the challenges to the demands of direct primaries and a tight electoral timetable. "We feel what they feel. They feel some of the processes were not perfect. And I will be one of the first to admit that, yes, direct primariesin the way and manner the Electoral Act stipulatedhave created a crisis," he said.

Dickson has also addressed allegations that activist Aisha Yesufu was mistreated during the party's internal processes. Without referring to any specific incident, he maintained that the NDC remains open to all members and does not operate a system of exclusion. "Can you define the nature of the ill-treatment?" Dickson asked, leaving the question hanging.

At the heart of Dickson's warning is a deeper issue, party loyalty. For him, supporters of Obi must recognize that the NDC is the vehicle that will take them to the Villa, and disparaging the party is a self-defeating strategy. As the 2027 presidential election approaches, the NDC and the LP will likely face off in a battle for votes. Dickson's warning to Obi supporters is a reminder that party loyalty is crucial in the pursuit of victory.

I predict that Dickson's warning will not fall on deaf ears. Obi's supporters will realize that disparaging the NDC is not a winning strategy and will begin to rally behind the party that's carrying their candidate to the Villa. The NDC's growing interest in the election will continue to gather momentum, and Dickson's leadership will prove instrumental in uniting the party and securing a strong showing in the 2027 presidential election.

The 2027 presidential election is shaping up to be a closely contested affair, with the NDC and the LP vying for the top spot. As the parties gear up for the battle ahead, Dickson's warning to Obi supporters serves as a reminder that party loyalty is crucial in the pursuit of victory.