National leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Seriake Dickson, has declared that the party will not serve as a “special-purpose vehicle” for the presidential ambition of any individual ahead of the 2027 general election.
Dickson made the remarks in Abuja during the inauguration of the NDC National Selection Committee and at the party’s Aspirants Dinner, amid growing political discussions surrounding the possible roles of Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso within an emerging opposition coalition.
According to Dickson, the NDC is being developed as a long-term political institution rooted in ideology, reforms and national interest rather than personal political ambitions.
“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,” he said.
The former Bayelsa State governor stressed the need for strong internal structures, transparent systems and credible democratic processes within the party.
He disclosed that the newly inaugurated 21-member National Selection Committee, chaired by the party’s National Chairman, Moses Cleopas, would conduct broad consultations with stakeholders, caucuses and state leaders to ensure fairness and consensus in future candidate selection processes.
According to Dickson, the committee has been tasked with coordinating consultations and consensus-building ahead of the party’s primaries.
In a move aimed at strengthening internal democracy, Dickson also announced plans to introduce electronic voting for future party primaries, distinguishing the NDC from parties often criticised for flawed internal electoral processes.
Speaking at the event, Obi urged party aspirants and supporters to prioritise national interest over personal ambition, emphasising the need for sacrifice and commitment in efforts to rebuild Nigeria.
“My first message is gratitude — gratitude to Almighty God who made it possible for all of us to carry this light,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor cautioned aspirants against seeing electoral defeat as the end of their political journey, insisting that leadership should be defined by 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 also reiterated his position that Nigeria’s challenges require competent leadership focused on governance, economic recovery and institutional reforms rather than patronage politics.
