National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, has rejected the argument that Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso alongside their supporters elevated the party by joining.
Speaking on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’ programme on Wednesday, Dickson said no politician is more qualified than him to run for the highest office in the land but he chose not to hurl his hat in the ring despite possessing vast experience and credentials for the office.
He said: “I could have run. There’s no one more qualified than me. There’s no one more qualified than me to run for presidential candidate. None,” he said.
Dickson said the NDC does not depend on any individual for relevance.
He said the party’s leadership and founding members have provided a credible platform for politicians and supporters seeking political change.
“You are talking about names because they have gained traction, and for reasons of my own I chose not to run,” he said.
“But it should not be made to look like anyone is doing the NDC a favour. Rather, the NDC, my colleagues, and I are the ones offering people a platform.”
Dickson said support for any individual within the party must be accompanied by respect for the party’s structures and leadership.
He argued that it is contradictory for supporters of political figures to endorse individuals while disparaging the platform that accommodates them.
“You cannot claim to support Peter Obi while at the same time disparaging me, the leadership, or the platform itself,” he said.
“If it were easy for people to form a party, then go and form yours. Respect for the platform and its leadership is essential.
“Before Peter and Kwankwaso came, Nigerians from all walks of life were coming to our party. I received Marafa from Zamfara and Binani from Adamawa and several other people across the country for four months, five months.
He said the Obidient and Kwankwasiyya movements would be hurting the chances of the presidential ticket if they “run down” the NDC. “People should be careful as we move on.”