The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has rejected allegations that its National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, is secretly working with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to undermine the party’s 2027 presidential ticket of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The party described the allegation as false and malicious, insisting that Dickson remains committed to the NDC and its presidential candidates.
NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, made the position known in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday while responding to what he described as malicious claims against the former Bayelsa State governor.
Director said there was neither a secret nor an open agreement between Dickson and the APC, arguing that the senator’s political record did not support the allegations.
“Our National Leader, Distinguished Senator Seriake Dickson, is not a front for the ruling APC or anyone else. He has no secret or open deal whatsoever with the ruinous and diabolical APC regime,” he said.
The controversy comes as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 presidential election, with the NDC presenting Obi and Kwankwaso as its presidential ticket.
The party said Dickson could have chosen to join the APC but instead opted to work with other opposition figures to establish and strengthen the NDC.
Director argued that anyone familiar with Dickson’s record in public service would find it difficult to associate him with an arrangement aimed at sabotaging his own party’s presidential candidates.
“Anyone who knows Senator Dickson’s public service record, and is in his right senses, will not associate him with any under-the-table arrangement to sabotage his own party and its presidential candidate and running mate, Peter Obi and Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso,” he said.
He added that Dickson had chosen what the party described as the more difficult path of building an opposition platform instead of joining the ruling party.
“Senator Dickson could have taken the easy way out by joining the APC. Instead, he chose the hard, honourable path of building a party with like-minded people,” Director said.
The NDC spokesman also pointed to Dickson’s more than seven years in the Senate, saying his positions on national issues demonstrated what he described as his opposition to the policies of the current administration.
“His consistent, courageous and principled position on national issues on the floor of the Senate for over seven years is a clear testament to his strength of character and unwavering solidarity with suffering Nigerians,” Director said.
He accused unnamed political opponents of spreading the allegations because of what he claimed was growing acceptance of the NDC ahead of the 2027 election.
According to the party, the claims were intended to create divisions within its ranks and undermine its presidential ticket.
Director urged NDC members, supporters and other stakeholders to remain focused on the party’s campaign and its candidates across the country.
“Consequently, it is wicked, vexatious and mendacious to associate his name with any compromise with the ruling APC and its key drivers,” he said.
The NDC spokesman maintained that the allegations were coming from political opponents and urged supporters to remain united behind Obi, Kwankwaso and other candidates contesting under the party’s platform.
“We urge all our teeming supporters, members and well-wishers to remain steadfast, keep their eyes on the ball, and work assiduously for victory for our presidential candidate and his running mate, and indeed all candidates contesting on the platform of the NDC,” he said.
The party’s response comes amid heightened political activity and internal disagreements among opposition groups as preparations for the 2027 general elections continue.
