National Leader and founder of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, has acknowledged that the party’s recently concluded primary elections were marred by challenges, but maintained that the situation remained under control due to the maturity and restraint displayed by party stakeholders.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Wednesday, Dickson said the issues that emerged during the primaries were partly a consequence of provisions contained in the Electoral Act.
According to him, the crisis could have escalated significantly for a relatively young political party like the NDC, but for the commitment shown by aspirants and party leaders.
“The Electoral Act as stipulated has created crisis. Actually, the crisis could have been worse for a new and young party like the NDC if not for the way all our colleagues have shown restraint,” Dickson said.
The former Bayelsa State governor noted that internal disputes during primary elections are not peculiar to the NDC, pointing out that even more established political parties have faced similar challenges.
Drawing comparisons with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dickson observed that despite being in power at the federal level since 2015 and controlling numerous state governments, the party has continued to grapple with primary election disputes.
“Look at the APC. It has been in federal power since 2015. As at today, they have 33 governors, yet they have their own primaries’ crisis,” he stated.
He also referenced the African Democratic Congress (ADC), saying the party experienced its own share of controversies during and after its primary election process.
Dickson expressed confidence that the NDC would overcome its internal challenges and emerge stronger ahead of future electoral contests.
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