Dickson Admits Crisis In NDC Primaries

National leader and founder of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, has acknowledged that the party experienced challenges during its recently concluded primary elections across the country, but insisted that the situation was effectively managed through the maturity and restraint displayed by party stakeholders.

Dickson made the disclosure while speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Wednesday, where he addressed concerns over reports of internal disagreements arising from the party’s nomination process ahead of upcoming elections.

The former Bayelsa State governor admitted that disputes emerged during the conduct of the primaries, describing them as a common feature of democratic political contests. However, he stressed that the issues were far from unusual and could have degenerated into a more serious crisis if party leaders and aspirants had not acted responsibly.

According to him, members of the NDC demonstrated commitment to the party’s collective interests by avoiding actions that could deepen divisions within the relatively young political organisation.

Dickson attributed part of the tension witnessed during the primaries to provisions of Nigeria’s Electoral Act, which he argued often create difficult situations for political parties during candidate selection processes.

“The Electoral Act, as currently structured, has contributed to some of these challenges,” he said. “The reality is that the situation could have been much worse for a new and emerging party like the NDC if our members and aspirants had not exercised restraint and remained committed to the party.”

Compares NDC Challenges With Other Parties

Seeking to put the development into perspective, Dickson noted that internal disputes during primary elections are not unique to the NDC.

He pointed to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which has controlled the federal government since 2015 and boasts a large political structure across the country, as an example of a party that has also struggled with primary election controversies despite its years in power.

According to him, even established political parties with extensive experience and resources continue to grapple with internal disagreements whenever candidates emerge through competitive processes.

“Look at the APC,” Dickson said. “The party has been in power at the federal level since 2015 and currently has more than 30 governors across the country. Yet, it still experiences disputes and controversies arising from its primary elections.”

He also referenced the African Democratic Congress (ADC), stating that it too faced its own share of challenges during and after its primary election exercises.

Calls for Unity Ahead of Future Elections

The NDC founder urged party members to remain focused on the larger objective of building a strong political alternative for Nigerians rather than allowing disagreements from the primaries to create lasting divisions.

He maintained that the party leadership is continuing consultations with aggrieved members and aspirants to ensure unity and strengthen the organisation ahead of future electoral contests.

Dickson’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions about the stability of opposition parties and coalition movements as political actors begin positioning themselves for the 2027 general elections.

Despite acknowledging the existence of internal disputes, the senator expressed confidence that the NDC would emerge stronger from the process, citing the willingness of party members to place the interests of the organisation above personal ambitions.