NDC Not Special Vehicle For Personal Ambition — Dickson Tells Obi, Kwankwaso, Others

The founder and National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has declared that the party will not serve as a temporary political platform for personal ambition, urging party leaders and aspirants to remain committed to building a lasting democratic institution.

Dickson made the remarks during the inauguration of the NDC National Selection Committee in Abuja, where he reaffirmed the party’s commitment to innovation, transparency, and institutional democracy ahead of its forthcoming primaries and political activities.

The senator stated that the NDC was founded to redefine political culture in Nigeria by building enduring structures, systems, and processes capable of outlasting individual interests.

“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 said.

His comments are believed to be directed at prominent political figures and new entrants into the party, including former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as well as other political stakeholders who recently aligned with the party.

According to Dickson, the NDC remains committed to institutional politics rather than personality-driven leadership.

“In the NDC, we are building a party that is an institution. We are building systems, standards, and processes,” he stated.

At the event, Senator Cleopatra Moses Zuwohe, the party’s National Chairman, was inaugurated as Chairman of the National Selection Committee.

Other members of the committee include Conrad Babatunde Ali, Alhaji Sidi Abdul Bomi, Alhaji Mohamed Barkin Zuwo, Dr Danlami Ara, Barrister Frederick E. Ogwotorufa, Chief Teddy Ube, Chief Barnabas J. Njesi, Pastor Dr Mrs Adidayo Ekon, Yehusi Tanko, Dr Moses Paul, Professor Osita Obu, Chief Benji Oba, His Excellency Aminu Abdulsalam, Danladi Abdulhamid, Professor Udenta Udenta, Barrister Ruben Ebuaba, Dudu Maman Manoga, Dr Grace M. Onyekusiobi, and Alhaji Shitu Mohamed.

Addressing aspirants, lawmakers, members of the National Working Committee, and stakeholders, Dickson explained that the committee would consult widely with party leaders across states and constituencies to ensure fairness, consensus-building, and transparency during the nomination process.

“All politics is local at the end of the day. This committee has the mandate to handle issues people may not ordinarily want to address,” he said.

The former Bayelsa State governor commended party officials and supporters for their sacrifices and dedication since the formation of the party.

“There has been no peace of mind, no rest from morning till night. This gives confidence to members of the party and assures them of our fairness and preparedness,” he added.

Dickson also acknowledged the legal and political challenges faced by the party since its emergence, noting that critics had doubted the NDC’s ability to meet the requirements of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“Every day, there were frivolous claims, counterclaims, nonexistent litigation, and appeals aimed at discouraging us. But Nigerians chose to believe in the NDC,” he said.

The senator maintained that the increasing acceptance of the party across the country demonstrated Nigerians’ desire for a new political direction.

Quoting a saying widely attributed to Mahatma Gandhi, Dickson said the party had evolved from being ignored to becoming a formidable political force:

“First, they ignore you. Then, they laugh at you. Then, they fight you. Then, you win,” he remarked.

Obi Urges Aspirants Not to Lose Hope, Says Sacrifices Will Not Be in Vain

Also speaking, former Anambra State Governor and chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, urged aspirants and members of the party not to lose hope if they fail to secure nominations, assuring them that their sacrifices for the country and the party would not be forgotten.

He emphasized the need for sacrifice, commitment, and patriotism in rebuilding Nigeria.

Addressing party leaders, aspirants, lawmakers, and members of the National Working Committee, Obi said the NDC was founded on the principles of fairness, inclusion, and service to the people.

“My first message is gratitude — gratitude to Almighty God, who made it possible for all of us to carry this light,” Obi said.

He also thanked party members for joining the NDC despite skepticism and criticism surrounding the newly formed political movement.

“There were many things said about the party, but all of you decided to join this family because of the leader and his team. I sincerely thank you,” he stated.

Obi commended aspirants for their courage and sacrifices in seeking elective positions under the platform of the party, stressing that political participation should be seen as service rather than personal entitlement.

“I know how difficult it is for people to say they want to serve their constituencies at a time like this in Nigeria. But I assure you, your sacrifices will not be in vain,” he said.

The former presidential candidate acknowledged that not every aspirant would emerge victorious in the party’s primaries but insisted that hard work and dedication would still be recognised.

“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 and sacrificed for this country,” he noted.

He urged party faithful not to see electoral defeat as the end of their political journey.

“If you are not nominated, do not think that is the end. It is only the end of the beginning because we must continue to work hard for our country,” he added.

Obi also spoke extensively on Nigeria’s economic and leadership challenges, recounting his recent visit to South Africa, where he met Nigerians facing hardship and xenophobic attacks.

He said many Nigerians abroad had lost confidence in returning home due to worsening conditions in the country.

The former governor further criticised poor governance, inadequate electricity supply, and leadership excuses, insisting that Nigerians deserved competent and compassionate leadership.

Comparing Nigeria with South Africa, Obi said it was unacceptable for Nigeria’s population of over 200 million people to rely on about 4,000 megawatts of electricity while South Africa generates over 40,000 megawatts.

“This country must work for all of us. Nigerian youths are energetic and want to work. We must build a country that gives opportunities to everyone,” he said.

He stressed that the party belongs to all members and not to any individual, including himself or Senator Henry Seriake Dickson.

“This party does not belong to Peter Obi. It does not belong to Dickson. It belongs to all of us,” he said.

Obi also pledged greater inclusion for women and young people in the party’s leadership structure, emphasizing merit and competence.

“I believe strongly in women. When they are committed, they deliver. Women will not be left behind in what we are building,” he added.

The event ended with renewed calls for unity, cooperation, and commitment among members as the NDC intensifies preparations for its primaries and future elections.