NDC Dismisses Obi, Kwankwaso Marginalisation Claims, Denies Ticket Sale Allegations

The leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has
dismissed allegations that supporters of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, had been sidelined.

The party said rather, the political structures of the two politicians had been fully integrated into the NDC.

The NDC National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, and the party’s National Chairman, Senator Cleopas Moses, made the clarification on Thursday.

The party leadership also rejected claims that aspirants paid for tickets during the recently concluded primaries, describing the allegations as false, malicious and intended to sow discord within the opposition platform.

Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja, Dickson said Obi and Kwankwaso had become key partners in the NDC project and urged their supporters to channel their energies toward strengthening the party rather than attacking its leadership.

“I think if they were truly carried along, they ought to call their supporters to order. Their principals are now candidates of the party — one is the presidential candidate and the other is the vice-presidential candidate.

“There is no need for supporters to continue condemning the party leadership. This is the time to organise and strengthen the party,” Dickson said.

The former Bayelsa State governor maintained that there was no rift between Obi and Kwankwaso or between their supporters and the NDC leadership.

“We are not colleagues alone; we are partners. When they came into the party, we became partners and together built this platform. They are our flag bearers and all of us will support them through the general election.

“Why should supporters of either side be raising unnecessary issues that even the APC is not raising against the NDC? I don’t understand it.

“There is no dispute between Obi and Kwankwaso. Even two nights ago, we met and discussed. We will continue to meet and discuss. There is no crisis in the NDC from our point of view,” he said.

Backing Dickson’s position, National Chairman Cleopas Moses said the NDC already had established structures nationwide before Obi and Kwankwaso joined the party, although their entry significantly boosted its strength.

“The party had structures and formations in all the 36 states and the FCT before the arrival of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.

“We cannot take away the fact that their coming added tremendous value to the party, but there was already an existing structure,” Moses said.
He cited the South-East as an example, noting that the region was fully involved in consultations and decision-making.

“Take the South-East for instance. The whole region was considered strategically important because we had a presidential candidate from there. Their leaders were consulted and carried along. They had their representatives and inputs in the process.

“Massively so. My National Secretary is from Anambra. The South-East leaders were consulted, considered and involved,” he stated.

Moses attributed many disputes arising from the primaries to the nature of the direct primary system rather than exclusion or manipulation.

“As National Chairman, when we want to conduct primaries, we appoint people to travel to various states because I cannot be in every state at the same time.

“When those officials arrive, they naturally depend on state party leaders because the state chairman is the custodian of party records and members.

“In many cases, those who conducted the primaries were nominated by the same stakeholders who are now dissatisfied with the outcomes. Some of the people who went to conduct those primaries were nominated by leaders at the state level,” he said.

The NDC leadership also firmly rejected allegations that aspirants paid bribes to secure party tickets.
Responding to the claims, Dickson said: “First of all, you are being very unfair to me. Throughout my public service, including when I managed trillions of naira as governor, I have never been confronted with such vile, inhuman and disrespectful allegations.

“There is absolutely nothing like that. It is all rubbish.
“If I make a commitment, people who know me know that I honour my commitments.

“People should ask basic questions before repeating allegations. Who gave what? Where was it given? How much was given? How was it delivered?

“Political competition should not destroy reputations built over decades. The allegations are false, baseless and irresponsible.”

Moses equally denied receiving money from any aspirant or candidate.
“Neither I nor any member of the party leadership demanded or received money from anybody before accepting them into this party.

“No money was demanded or received before making our presidential candidate the sole presidential candidate of the party,” he declared.

National Secretary Morgan also defended the party’s funding structure, stressing that donations and fundraising were legitimate and transparent.

“Our party did not start as a mega party with moneybags. From day one, we wanted a party where members contribute to its growth and development.

“Even as we have presidential and vice-presidential candidates, running a presidential campaign is a mega project that requires donations and fundraising.

“That is why the party has discussed with the presidential candidate the opening of an NDC Presidential Campaign Account, with signatories from both the party and the candidate’s team to ensure transparency and accountability,” he explained.

Morgan disclosed that the party would engage internationally reputable auditors to monitor its finances and submit periodic reports to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“There will be an independent audit mechanism. Audit reports will be submitted regularly to INEC.

“If we wanted money, would we be struggling in opposition when there is a ruling party controlling government resources? We are doing this out of conviction,” he added.

On concerns over party supremacy and reports that aspirants were required to sign affidavits, Dickson said the NDC was committed to building a durable political institution and discouraging defections.

“We want people elected on the platform of the NDC to remain and help build the party.
“The culture of politicians winning elections and immediately jumping to another party must stop.

“We have no apologies for asking aspirants to demonstrate commitment to the party.
“For some of us, the NDC is our last political bus stop. We are not building a party merely for the next election. We want a party that will outlive all of us,” he said.

Dickson also defended the integration of support groups such as the Obidient Movement and Kwankwasiyya movement into the party structure.

“Support groups are important mobilisation tools. However, they cannot function as parallel political parties.

“They must be integrated into the party structure and campaign system.

“The Obidient movement, Kwankwaso supporters and every support group will continue to exist and play important roles. There is no friction. This is about principle and institution-building,” he explained.

Appealing for reconciliation, Dickson urged aggrieved aspirants and supporters to remain within the party and focus on the broader objective of defeating the ruling APC.

“I appeal to all aspirants to remain in the party. They remain stakeholders and valuable members of the NDC.

“Please stop the blame game. Work with us to achieve reconciliation. Work with us to campaign and send the APC packing.

“That should be our target, not self-destruction.

“There is no crisis in the NDC. We are united and focused on building a strong party capable of winning elections and transforming Nigeria,” he said.