Obi attends strategy dinner as party weighs consensus deals, promises transparent primaries and future roles for loyal aspirants

Former Bayelsa State Governor and Senator, Henry Seriake Dickson, has convened a high-level dinner with governorship and National Assembly aspirants of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), urging unity and strategic consensus as the party approaches its primaries.

The meeting, attended by the NDC’s presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, underscored the party’s push to streamline its candidate selection process. Former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, was absent, reportedly due to prior engagements in Kano linked to ongoing party activities.

Addressing the gathering, Dickson applauded aspirants for aligning with what he described as a rapidly rising political force, noting that the NDC has defied early skepticism to become one of the country’s fastest-growing opposition platforms.

He praised party members and officials for their commitment, singling out the Screening Committee led by former Ebonyi State Governor, Senator Sam Egwu, for what he called a thorough and credible vetting process.

Dickson revealed that the party’s newly inaugurated Selection Committee, chaired by the National Chairman, will now review screening outcomes, engage stakeholders and recommend candidates based on merit, political realities and the party’s broader electoral strategy.

With time before the elections limited, he said the NDC is strongly encouraging aspirants to adopt consensus arrangements where feasible, while assuring that transparent and democratic primaries will be conducted in areas where agreements cannot be reached.

“Only one candidate will emerge per position,” Dickson stressed, while reassuring aspirants that their efforts and loyalty would not go unrewarded. He disclosed that the party is compiling a comprehensive database of contributors and aspirants for inclusion in campaign structures and key committees.

Looking ahead, Dickson also announced plans to deploy electronic systems in future primaries to enhance credibility, transparency and efficiency in the party’s internal processes.

He commended attendees for their dedication despite prevailing security and economic challenges, pledging prudent and transparent management of party resources.

The meeting signals the NDC’s intensifying preparations for its primaries as it seeks to position itself as a disciplined and viable opposition force ahead of the upcoming elections.