Former Bayelsa State Governor and national leader of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, has assured aspirants of the party that despite the competitive nature of the nomination process, the sacrifices and contributions of members would not be forgotten.
Dickson gave the assurance in a statement issued on Tuesday following a dinner meeting with governorship and National Assembly aspirants of the party.
According to him, the meeting was attended by former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate, Peter Obi, while former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, was absent due to engagements in Kano ahead of the party primaries.
Dickson said the NDC had defied expectations since its formation, describing it as the “fastest-growing political party” and the “most cohesive opposition platform” in the country.
“When the party was founded, many people did not give us any chance, but by the grace of God, within a few months, the NDC has emerged as the fastest-growing political party and the most cohesive opposition platform in the country,” he stated.
The former governor commended party officials and members for their commitment to the growth of the platform and singled out the Screening Committee chaired by former Ebonyi State Governor, Senator Sam Egwu, for praise over the conduct of the screening exercise.
He also appreciated aspirants for their confidence in the leadership of the party as well as their financial and moral support towards the development of the NDC.
Dickson explained that the party had inaugurated a Selection Committee headed by the National Chairman to review reports from the screening exercise and consult widely before making recommendations on candidates.
According to him, the committee would consider “competence, local dynamics, and the overall interests of the party” in arriving at its decisions.
He urged aspirants to embrace consensus arrangements where possible in order to reduce internal disputes and strengthen party unity ahead of the elections.
“Where consensus cannot be achieved, the party will proceed with democratic primaries in line with its constitution and guidelines,” he said.
Dickson, however, reminded party members that only one candidate could emerge for each elective office, stressing that those who may not secure tickets would still remain relevant within the party structure.
“I reminded aspirants that only one candidate can eventually emerge for each office, but assured them that the party would not forget any individual who has made sacrifices and invested in the movement,” he stated.
He added that the NDC was being built as “an ideological and enduring political institution” rather than a platform for “opportunistic and transactional politics.”
The NDC leader further disclosed that the party was compiling a comprehensive database of aspirants and supporters who had contributed to its growth, noting that they would be integrated into future campaign structures and strategic committees.
He also revealed plans by the party to introduce electronic systems into future primary elections to improve transparency, efficiency and credibility.
“This will be the last primary election conducted through the largely manual process currently in use due to time constraints,” Dickson said.
The former governor thanked aspirants for travelling from across the country despite prevailing insecurity and economic hardship, assuring them that all donations and support received by the party would be prudently managed.
He added that a communication platform would soon be launched to provide regular updates and engagement with party members, aspirants and stakeholders.
Dickson wished all the aspirants safe journeys back to their various destinations and reiterated his appreciation for their continued support for the party and its vision for Nigeria.
