The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) on Monday dismissed claims linking its National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the allegations as false, malicious and politically motivated.
The party said Dickson had no secret or open understanding with the APC and remained fully committed to the NDC and its presidential ticket of Mr. Peter Obi and Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a statement issued in Abuja by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Osa Director, Esq., the NDC said it was compelled to respond to what it described as persistent rumours aimed at creating confusion within the opposition.
The party noted that although it would ordinarily have ignored the allegations, it was necessary to set the record straight to prevent falsehood from gaining acceptance among the public.
According to the statement, Dickson’s political trajectory and public service record make it impossible to associate him with any arrangement designed to undermine the NDC or its leadership.
The NDC maintained that the former Bayelsa State governor had consistently demonstrated courage and principle in his political engagements, adding that he deliberately chose to join forces with like-minded Nigerians to build an alternative platform capable of rescuing the country from its current challenges.
The statement read in part: “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 APC regime.
“Anyone who knows Senator Dickson’s public service record will not associate him with any under-the-table arrangement to sabotage his own party and its Presidential Candidate and running mate, Mr. Peter Obi and Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
“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-minds, a party that will liberate Nigeria from the grip of those currently in power.”
The party further cited Dickson’s contributions on national issues in the Senate over the years as evidence of his commitment to democratic values and the welfare of Nigerians.
It argued that attempts to portray him as being aligned with the APC were intended to distract the opposition and weaken the growing influence of the NDC across the country.
The NDC accused unnamed political opponents of sponsoring the allegations out of fear of the party’s increasing popularity and expanding support base nationwide.
Describing the claims as “wicked, vexatious and mendacious,” the party urged its members and supporters not to be distracted by what it called propaganda from rival political forces.
The opposition party called on its supporters to remain focused on its campaign objectives and intensify efforts toward securing victory for Obi, Kwankwaso and all NDC candidates in the 2027 elections.
