The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed allegations that its national leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, is working with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) against the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The party described the allegation as false, insisting that Dickson remains committed to the NDC and the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.
NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, made the position known in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday while reacting to what he described as allegations aimed at portraying the former Bayelsa State governor as working against his party.
Director said there was neither a secret nor an open agreement between Dickson and the APC.
He argued that Dickson’s decision to help build the NDC, rather than join the ruling party, was evidence of his continued commitment to the opposition platform.
The statement followed reports and political discussions questioning Dickson’s position within the NDC and his relationship with the party’s presidential ticket.
Dickson has played a prominent role in the development of the NDC and was involved in the party’s efforts to consolidate its presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 election.
In August, he met with Obi and Kwankwaso as part of consultations on the party’s campaign structure and called on members and stakeholders to close ranks ahead of the election.
The issue of party structure has also featured prominently in recent disagreements involving the NDC and the Obi-Kwankwaso support movement.
Dickson had criticised attempts by support groups to establish structures that could perform the functions of the party’s official campaign machinery, saying support groups should focus on mobilisation rather than compete with the party.
Obi subsequently backed Dickson’s position, saying the NDC remained the political party supporting his presidential bid while groups such as the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement, Obidient groups and Kwankwasiyya should operate as support organisations.
The controversy comes as political parties and support groups intensify preparations for the 2027 presidential election.
The NDC said its members should remain focused on the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket and the party’s broader political programme rather than allegations it described as attempts to create divisions within its ranks.
Dickson, a former governor of Bayelsa State and former senator, has remained one of the prominent figures in the NDC as the opposition party prepares for the 2027 elections.
