By Janet Salihu
Candidates of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) whose names were recently published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have commended the party’s National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, for his leadership during the nomination process, while calling on members to remain united ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The candidates said the publication of the INEC list has brought relief after weeks of uncertainty surrounding the release of candidates’ names, particularly those contesting seats in the National Assembly.
In separate reactions, they credited the former Bayelsa State governor with providing stability during the party’s post-primary reconciliation process, describing his role as instrumental in resolving disputes that arose after the primaries.
The NDC candidate for Abia Central Senatorial District, Senator Nkechi Nwaogu, praised Dickson for what she described as his commitment to the party’s overall interest.
“The National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, deserves accolades for the way he navigated the trying times until the primaries, reconciliations and nomination of candidates were concluded. Nobody is perfect, but he acted in the interest of our party, NDC,” she said.
Nwaogu urged aspirants who were unsuccessful in securing the party’s tickets to accept the outcome in good faith and work for the party’s success in the 2027 elections.
“I appeal to aspirants who did not get tickets to see this as a contest in which those who lost today can win tomorrow. They should work with our party to ensure its victory in the 2027 elections,” she added.
Some of the candidates also dismissed allegations that party tickets were sold to the highest bidders, insisting that the NDC’s primary elections were transparent and among the most credible conducted by political parties.
A Canada-based aspirant who lost his bid for a House of Representatives ticket said Dickson did not interfere with the conduct of the primaries but instead devoted his time to reconciling aggrieved aspirants and stakeholders after the exercises.
According to him, most of the disagreements stemmed from issues at the state level rather than actions taken by the party’s national leadership.
Similarly, an aspirant from Edo State denied claims that aspirants were required to pay for party tickets, saying he met Dickson several times alongside other party leaders without any discussion about money.
He described the former governor as a leader who had made enormous personal sacrifices since the formation of the party and called on members to unite behind the NDC’s presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, his running mate, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and all other candidates of the party.
Also reacting to the publication of the candidates’ list, Mazi Nnamdi Dickson Iroegbu, who was unsuccessful in his bid to secure the NDC House of Representatives ticket for Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala Federal Constituency in Imo State, accepted the outcome and urged his supporters to remain loyal to the party.
In a Facebook post, Iroegbu congratulated the successful candidates, reaffirmed his commitment to serving his community, and called on party members to work together to ensure the NDC’s victory at the polls.
The publication of the candidates’ list by INEC is expected to signal the end of months of internal consultations and reconciliation efforts within the party, as attention shifts to preparations for the 2027 general elections.
