INEC Candidate List: NDC Aspirants Commend Dickson’s Leadership, Urge Party Unity Ahead of 2027

Candidates of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) whose names were recently published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have commended the party’s National Leader, Henry Seriake Dickson, for his leadership during the party’s candidate nomination process.

The candidates said Dickson played a significant role in resolving disputes arising from the party’s primaries and candidate harmonisation process, describing his intervention as instrumental in restoring confidence among party members after weeks of uncertainty over the delayed publication of candidates’ names.

The publication of the INEC list had been eagerly awaited by aspirants, particularly those contesting seats in the Senate and House of Representatives, amid concerns that delays could affect preparations for the 2027 general elections.

Candidates Praise Leadership During Nomination Process

Among those who lauded Dickson was Nkechi Nwaogu, the NDC candidate for Abia Central Senatorial District.

She said the party leader demonstrated discipline and political maturity in steering the party through a challenging nomination period.

> “The National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, deserves commendation for the way he navigated the difficult period of the primaries, reconciliation and the eventual conclusion of the nomination process. Nobody is perfect, but he acted in the overall interest of the party,” she said.

Nwaogu also appealed to aspirants who did not secure party tickets to remain committed to the NDC and support its candidates in the 2027 elections.

She described the primaries as a democratic exercise and urged members to prioritise the party’s collective success over individual ambitions.

Aspirants Reject Allegations of Ticket Sales

Several candidates and unsuccessful aspirants also dismissed allegations that party tickets were sold to the highest bidders.

A Canada-based aspirant for a House of Representatives seat, who was not named, said Dickson did not interfere with state-level primary processes but focused on reconciling aggrieved members after the exercises.

According to him, the National Leader spent months engaging aspirants and stakeholders to resolve disputes arising from the primaries.

Similarly, an aspirant from Edo State denied claims that financial inducement influenced the nomination process.

He said he met Dickson on several occasions alongside party leaders and aspirants without any discussion about money, insisting that the allegations of ticket sales were unfounded.

The aspirant further described Dickson’s commitment to building the NDC as a personal sacrifice, saying he had devoted considerable time and energy to strengthening the party.

Call for Unity Ahead of 2027 Elections

The aspirants urged party members to unite behind the NDC’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as well as all candidates contesting under the party’s platform.

They described the NDC as a credible opposition platform and called on members to work collectively to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Unsuccessful Aspirant Accepts Outcome

Also reacting to the publication of the INEC candidates’ list, Nnamdi Dickson Iroegbu, whose name did not appear on the list, accepted the outcome and urged his supporters to remain loyal to the party.

In a Facebook post, Iroegbu congratulated the successful candidates and reaffirmed his commitment to serving his community despite not securing the party’s ticket.

He also encouraged party faithful to support the NDC leadership and candidates throughout the electioneering process, stressing that unity, discipline and active participation would be critical to the party’s success in 2027.