BY SEGUN ADEBAYO – Following the intense fallout over comments that his supporters were attacking the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), the Party’s Presidential flagbearer, Peter Obi has met with the National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson in a strategic engagement meant to quell the brewing internal crisis.
The high-stakes meeting, which lasted about three hours, aimed at dousing tension within the leadership and ensuring the alliance’s base and structures solidify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The former Bayelsa State Governor disclosed hosting Peter Obi and other party leaders in the marathon closed-door meeting on Thursday the public condemnation of the unprovoked attacks he faced from some of Obi’s supporters despite their shared political objectives.
Coming shortly after the Bayelsa West Senator expressed concern and fired some shots at some supporters of Obi, the discussions generally focused on the Party’s activities and recent issues that have continued to generate concerns among stakeholders.
According to the NDC Leader, “I just received my brother, colleague, and partner in the New Nigerian Project, His Excellency Mr. Peter Gregory Obi, CON, our presidential candidate, who, together with some distinguished leaders of our party, held a closed-door meeting which lasted about three hours.”
Senator Dickson said all contentious issues were discussed and amicably resolved., adding: “In the course of that meeting, we reviewed the activities of our party and discussed a few recent issues that have been a source of concern to all sides, and we amicably resolved all the issues.”
Further stressing that he and Obi remain united in their commitment to the broader objective of strengthening the party and positioning it for future electoral contests, the NDC Leader said they have always shared the same vision of winning elections and offering Nigerians an alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He said: “We have always been on the same page on the bigger picture, that is, winning the elections for all candidates of our party and rescuing Nigeria from the misgovernance of the APC-led government.”
While acknowledging that some disagreements had emerged, Dickson said party leaders had agreed on how to handle such issues going forward.
He also appealed to members of the party to end internal disputes and focus on their collective goals, saying, “I want to use this opportunity again to call on all members of our party to stop the bickering and name-calling and focus on the bigger picture.”
On the need for inclusive politics and transparency within the opposition party, Dickson assured party members that consultations among various stakeholders, including Obi, Senator Kwankwaso, himself and other leaders would continue and remain engaging in order to strengthen unity, address concerns and maintain cohesion within the NDC.
For the former governor, the NDC leadership is fully focused and committed to its members’ shared vision and mission of rescuing Nigeria and building a better future for citizens.
