The national leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, has said no politician is better qualified than him to contest for Nigeria’s highest office.
Speaking on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’ on Wednesday, Dickson stated that although he possesses the experience and credentials needed to run for president, he deliberately chose not to enter the race.
His remarks came in response to claims that Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, along with their supporters, were primarily responsible for boosting the profile of the NDC after joining the party.
“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.
The former Bayelsa governor stressed that the NDC’s relevance does not depend on any individual, noting that the party had already established itself as a credible political platform before the arrival of prominent figures.
He said the party’s founders and leadership created an avenue for politicians and citizens seeking political alternatives.
“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 maintained that support for any politician within the party should go hand in hand with respect for the party’s leadership and structures.
According to him, it is inconsistent for supporters to champion certain personalities while criticising 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.
“People should be careful as we move on.”
Dickson further warned that the Obidient and Kwankwasiyya movements could undermine the prospects of the party’s eventual presidential candidate if they continue to criticise and weaken the NDC.