The National Leader of NDC Sen. Seriake Dickson last night attended a dinner meeting for Governorship and National Assembly aspirants of the NDC. In attendance was His Excellency Peter Obi, CON, while His Excellency Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso was unavoidably absent as he is currently in Kano State attending to important party matters ahead of the primaries.
In my remarks, I thanked all the aspirants for believing in the vision, ideals, and future of the NDC. I noted that when the party was founded, many people did not give us any chance, but by the grace of God, within a few months, the NDC has emerged as the fastest-growing political party and the most cohesive opposition platform in the country.
I also appreciated the sacrifices and commitment of party officials and members who have continued to work tirelessly for the growth of the party since its inception. In particular, I commended the Screening Committee led by His Excellency Senator Sam Egwu, former Governor, Minister, and Senator, alongside other respected and experienced members of the committee, for their hard work and dedication in carrying out the screening exercise for aspirants over the past week.
I thanked all aspirants for investing their confidence in me and in the party, as well as for the donations and support they have continued to make towards the growth and development of the NDC. I reiterated that the NDC is an innovative and forward-looking political party committed to building strong democratic institutions and internal processes.
I explained that the inauguration of the Selection Committee, chaired by the National Chairman alongside other party leaders, is part of the party’s effort to institutionalize credibility, consultation, and strategic planning within the nomination process. I told them that the committee would review reports from the Screening Committee, consult widely with stakeholders across constituencies and states, and make recommendations that take into account competence, local dynamics, and the overall interests of the party.
I further noted that, because of the shortness of time ahead of the elections, the party strongly encourages consensus arrangements among aspirants wherever possible in order to minimize rancour and strengthen unity within the party. However, where consensus cannot be achieved, the party will proceed with democratic primaries in line with its constitution and guidelines.
I reminded aspirants that only one candidate can eventually emerge for each office, but assured them that the party would not forget any individual who has made sacrifices and invested in the movement. I stated that the NDC is being built as an ideological and enduring political institution, comparable to successful long-standing political movements around the world, and not as a temporary platform for opportunistic and transactional politics.
I also disclosed that the party is compiling a comprehensive database of all aspirants and supporters who have contributed to the growth of the NDC. That they will continue to play active roles in the affairs of the party, beginning with the presidential campaign structure and other strategic committees that will soon be constituted.
I assured the aspirants that this would be the last primary election conducted through the largely manual process currently in use due to time constraints. I explained that the party is already working towards introducing modern electronic systems for future primary elections in order to improve transparency, efficiency, and credibility.
Lastly, I thanked all the aspirants for their sacrifices, particularly for travelling from different parts of the federation despite the prevailing insecurity and harsh economic conditions in the country. I assured them that all donations and support received by the party would be prudently and transparently utilized for the advancement of the NDC and its vision for Nigeria. I also informed them that the party’s communication platform, which will soon be launched, will ensure regular engagement and updates for aspirants, supporters, and stakeholders.
Once again, I thank all the aspirants for honouring the invitation and wished them safe journeys back to their various destinations.
-HSD
