Welcome to Party Without Factions,’ Dickson Tells Obi, Kwankwaso

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) on Sunday formally received the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, and former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, in Abuja, declaring the party a united platform free of internal divisions and litigation.

Addressing party members and supporters at the event, the NDC National Leader and former Bayelsa State governor, Seriake Dickson, described the party as a fast-growing political movement ready to challenge established forces.

“I want to welcome you to the party that doesn’t know what is called status quo ante bellum… a party that has no faction, a party that has no litigation whatsoever,” Dickson said, adding that the NDC, though young, was prepared to “box above its weight” in Nigeria’s political landscape.

He told the gathering that the party was built on ideology, inclusiveness, and a commitment to national progress, noting that its growing support base across the country reflected public confidence in its vision.

“This party belongs to the Nigerian people, especially our women and youth, who remain the backbone of our democracy,” he said, assuring that the leadership would continue to build a transparent and people-driven political platform.

The reception marked a significant moment in ongoing political realignments, with Obi and Kwankwaso engaging the NDC leadership amid efforts to forge a more stable opposition front ahead of future elections.

In his remarks, Obi said he was fully aligned with the initiative, stressing the need to redirect political energy towards addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges rather than internal disputes.

“We are gathered here today because we believe in building a united, secure, and prosperous Nigeria; a country that works for everyone,” he said.

He lamented what he described as a cycle of crises and litigations within political parties, urging stakeholders to prioritise national development over factional struggles.

“Nigeria is going through difficult times, and we cannot afford to keep fighting ourselves. Our priority must be the Nigerian people,” Obi added, highlighting insecurity, poverty, and economic hardship as urgent issues requiring collective action.

Kwankwaso, on his part, said the engagement with the NDC leadership revealed shared values, particularly in the areas of education, youth empowerment, and national unity.

“We came here to familiarise ourselves with the leadership and ideology of this party, and from our discussions, we have realised that we share common ground,” he said.

He described the platform as more than a political organisation, noting that it also serves as a vehicle for social development and inclusion.

“I am here with a clear goal: to help build a peaceful and united Nigeria,” Kwankwaso added, while calling on Nigerians interested in contesting elections under the party to register and participate in its processes.

Earlier, the NDC National Chairman, Moses Cleopas, said the gathering signalled a new phase in the party’s evolution, describing it as “the newest movement of the people” committed to national renewal.

He expressed appreciation to party leaders and supporters at home and in the diaspora for their commitment, urging members to remain focused on the party’s mission.

The event ended with calls for unity, sustained engagement, and a collective push towards building what speakers described as a more inclusive and functional Nigerian state.