Former Bayelsa State Governor and Senator, Seriake Dickson, has dismissed claims that supporters of Peter Obi are doing the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) a favor by backing the party, insisting that the party remains strong and relevant on its own.
Speaking on Arise TV’s Prime Time Show, Dickson said the NDC was already attracting prominent politicians from across the country before Obi and other opposition figures joined its platform.
According to him, the party willingly offered its presidential ticket to Obi and his running mate without demanding any payment because it believed they were capable candidates.
Dickson stressed that the NDC should not be portrayed as a party relying on Obi for survival or relevance.
“There is no one doing NDC a favor,” he said. “The NDC and its leaders are the ones providing a platform and opportunity for those who have joined us.”
The senator also criticized some supporters of the former Anambra State governor, popularly known as Obedients, for attacking the party and its leaders while claiming to support Obi.
“You cannot claim to support Peter Obi and at the same time insult me, the leadership, or the party itself. That does not make sense,” he said.
Dickson further challenged those who believe building a political party is easy to try establishing one themselves.
“If forming a political party is easy, then go ahead and form your own party,” he said.
He noted that several influential politicians, including former governors and other political figures, had joined the NDC months before Obi and other opposition leaders came on board.
Dickson called on supporters and political commentators to respect the party and avoid narratives that suggest the NDC owes its existence or popularity to any single individual.
He maintained that the party’s growth and national appeal are the result of years of hard work by its leaders and members, not the contribution of any one politician.
