The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, has acknowledged that the party’s recently concluded primaries were affected by irregularities and appealed to aggrieved aspirants to remain patient as efforts are underway to address the concerns raised.
Key highlight:
- Dickson admits irregularities in NDC primaries
- NDC’s rapid growth contributed to challenges
- Direct primaries criticized as impractical
- Reconciliation efforts underway
Future primaries to be technology-driven
Dickson, a former governor of Bayelsa State, made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television, where he admitted that the exercise was not without challenges but attributed the shortcomings to the unique circumstances surrounding the party’s rapid growth.
According to him, the NDC, which is barely four months old, has had to navigate a demanding political schedule that included membership registration, ward and state congresses, a national convention, primary elections, appeals, and reconciliation processes within a short period.
“I sympathise with our aspirants over some noticeable irregularities in our just-concluded primaries. While I am not claiming that the exercise was perfect, I urge them to bear with the party in view of the circumstances we are managing,” Dickson said.
He argued that the challenges experienced during the primaries were not exclusive to the NDC, noting that even long-established political parties have faced similar issues in the conduct of internal elections.
The former governor also criticised the direct primary system prescribed by the Electoral Act, describing it as impractical and difficult for political parties to administer effectively.
“My views on the Electoral Act have always been clear. The APC-led majority were wrong to impose compulsory direct primaries on political parties. Complaints about irregularities in direct primaries are widespread across political parties and are not peculiar to the NDC,” he stated.
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Despite the complaints, Dickson maintained that the party performed creditably considering its limited lifespan and the large number of aspirants who participated in the process.
His comments come amid growing dissatisfaction among some aspirants and party members, who have alleged manipulation and a lack of transparency in certain aspects of the primaries.
Dickson, however, dismissed reports circulating on social media suggesting that winners had already emerged from the exercise, insisting that the party had yet to officially announce any results.
“No party has announced any set of winners from its primaries, and neither has the NDC. The public should disregard such claims, especially those circulating on social media, and await official communication from the party through the appropriate channels,” he said.
He disclosed that the party had anticipated post-primary disputes and had already established a reconciliation committee to address grievances and promote unity among members.
According to him, the committee will work closely with state caucus leaders and other stakeholders to resolve disputes arising from the primaries and strengthen cohesion within the party.
Dickson also assured members that future primary elections would be technology-driven to reduce irregularities and enhance transparency.
“This is our first set of primaries, and it will also be the last to be conducted manually. Future primaries will be technologically driven and will not experience these kinds of issues,” he said.
The former governor expressed appreciation to party supporters and members for their contributions and sacrifices, describing the NDC as a self-funded political movement that does not rely on the support of government officeholders.
He further called on members to rally behind the party’s candidates and support its presidential ticket of Peter Obi and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso ahead of the forthcoming elections.
Dickson also urged state-level party leaders to actively participate in reconciliation efforts rather than engage in blame games.
“This is not the time to shift responsibility or avoid accountability. Those who supervised and managed the primaries should also support the reconciliation process to ensure the party emerges stronger and more united,” he added.
