The founder of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Sen. Seriake Dickson has called on the stakeholders to safeguard the party’s integrity and democratic ideals, ahead of 2027 general elections.

Dickson who doubles as the national leader of the party also warned against attempts by opportunists to hijack the party for selfish political interests.

He gave the warning in Abuja on Tuesday amid growing political realignments involving key opposition figures, including Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso to the party.

Dickson, a former Bayelsa Governor and senator representing Bayelsa West, spoke during the inauguration of the NDC National Selection Committee.

He said that the party was founded to build enduring democratic structures rather than promote individual 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.

Dickson emphasised the need for internal democracy, transparency and collective ownership within the party.

He said the NDC leadership was determined to build strong institutions capable of surviving beyond individual political actors.

According to him, the newly inaugurated 21- member National Selection Committee would engage extensively with stakeholders across the country to ensure fairness and consensus in the selection of candidates ahead of future primaries.

The committee, chaired by the NDC National Chairman, Sen. Moses Cleopas, has been mandated to coordinate and consultation with party leaders, caucuses and state chapters to minimise disputes and strengthen internal cohesion.

Dickson also unveiled plans by the party to adopt electronic voting for future primaries as part of reforms aimed at deepening internal democracy.

He disclosed that the party had already developed a digital voting platform and mobile application that would allow registered members to vote electronically during primary elections.

“I assure you that this will be the last primary in the NDC that will be done in the old-fashioned way,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Peter Obi urged party members and aspirants to prioritise national interest above personal ambition.

“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 presidential candidate advised aspirants who might not secure party tickets to remain committed to the broader goal of national transformation.

“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 said that Nigeria required leadership focused on governance, economic reforms and institutional development rather than patronage politics.

He lamented the country’s economic difficulties, unemployment crisis and poor electricity supply, noting that it was unacceptable for a nation of more than 200 million people to rely on roughly 4,000 megawatts of electricity.

“This country must work for all of us,” he added. (NAN)

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