National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, on Tuesday moved to contain looming internal power struggles ahead of the 2027 general election, declaring that the fast-rising opposition platform would not be turned into a “special-purpose vehicle” for the presidential ambition of any individual politician.
Dickson spoke in Abuja amid growing political calculations surrounding Mr. Peter Obi and the expected role of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso within the emerging opposition coalition ahead of 2027.
Speaking during the inauguration of the NDC National Selection Committee and later at the party’s Aspirants Dinner in Abuja, Dickson stressed that the party was being built as a lasting political institution driven by ideology, reforms and national interest rather than personal ambition.
“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 declared.
Dickson repeatedly emphasised the need for transparent systems, strong institutions and credible processes within the party.
He disclosed that the newly inaugurated 21-member National Selection Committee, chaired by the NDC National Chairman, Moses Cleopas, would engage extensively with stakeholders, caucuses and state leaders to guarantee fairness and consensus in future candidate selection processes.
The committee, according to him, has been mandated to coordinate consultations and consensus-building ahead of future primaries.
In what appeared to be part of broader efforts to distinguish the NDC from other political parties accused of manipulating internal elections, Dickson also announced plans to introduce electronic voting for future party primaries.
Also speaking at the event, Obi urged aspirants and party faithful to place national interest above personal ambition and prepare for sacrifice in the struggle to rebuild the country.
“My first message is gratitude — gratitude to Almighty God who made it possible for all of us to carry this light,” Obi said.
The presidential hopeful cautioned aspirants against viewing electoral defeat as the end of their political careers, insisting that leadership should be anchored on service and sacrifice.
“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 stated.
Obi reiterated his longstanding position that Nigeria’s challenges required competent leadership focused on governance, economic recovery and institutional reforms rather than patronage politics.
Sunday Aborisade
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