Founder and national leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, has urged party stakeholders to protect the party’s integrity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Dickson warned against attempts by political opportunists to hijack the party for selfish interests amid ongoing opposition realignments.
The former Bayelsa governor spoke in Abuja during the inauguration of the NDC National Selection Committee.
He said the party was established to build enduring democratic institutions rather than serve as a platform for personal ambitions.
“We are not building a special-purpose vehicle for any individual. We are building together a political party that will stand the test of time,” Dickson stated.
The senator representing Bayelsa West stressed the need for transparency, internal democracy and collective ownership within the party structure.
According to him, the NDC leadership remains committed to building institutions capable of surviving beyond individual political actors.
Dickson explained that the newly inaugurated 21-member National Selection Committee would engage stakeholders nationwide to ensure fairness in future primaries.
The committee, chaired by NDC National Chairman, Sen. Moses Cleopas, was mandated to consult widely with party leaders and state chapters.
He noted that the move was aimed at minimising disputes and strengthening internal cohesion ahead of future elections.
Dickson also announced plans to introduce electronic voting during party primaries as part of ongoing reforms within the party.
He disclosed that the party had already developed a digital voting platform and mobile application for registered members.
“I assure you that this will be the last primary in the NDC that will be done in the old-fashioned way,” he said.
The NDC leader said technology-driven reforms would improve credibility, transparency and participation in the party’s internal electoral process.
Also speaking, NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi urged party members to place national interest above personal political ambitions.
“My first message is gratitude; gratitude to Almighty God who made it possible for all of us to carry this light,” Obi said.
Obi advised aspirants who might not secure party tickets to remain committed to the broader vision of national transformation.
“All of us will not succeed. All of us will not be selected. But it is time we start recognising people who have worked hard,” he stated.
He stressed that Nigeria needed leadership focused on governance, economic reforms and institutional development rather than patronage politics.
Obi lamented rising unemployment, economic hardship and poor electricity supply across the country.
He described it as unacceptable for a nation of over 200 million people to depend on about 4,000 megawatts of electricity.
“This country must work for all of us,” Obi added.
