The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has launched a fierce defence of its National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, dismissing allegations that he is secretly working with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to undermine the opposition party.
The NDC, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director Esq., described the allegations as “malicious lies” and “beer-parlour talk,” insisting that Dickson had no secret or open agreement with the APC.
The party said it was compelled to respond because repeated allegations, if left unanswered, could eventually be accepted as truth.
“Our National Leader, Distinguished Senator Seriake Dickson, is not a front for the ruling APC or anyone else,” the statement said.
“He has no secret or open deal whatsoever with the ruinous and diabolical APC regime.”
The NDC said Dickson’s political record, particularly his years in the Senate, was evidence of his commitment to the opposition party and its presidential ticket.
According to the party, Dickson could have joined the APC but instead chose to remain with like-minded politicians seeking to build an alternative political platform.
“Senator Dickson could have taken the easy way out by joining the APC. Instead, he chose the hard, honourable path of building a party with like-minds, a party that will liberate Nigeria from the vice grip of the buccaneers currently in power,” it said.
The party also pointed to Dickson’s “consistent, courageous and principled” positions on national issues during his more than seven years in the Senate, describing them as evidence of his solidarity with Nigerians.
The NDC rejected claims that its National Leader could be involved in any arrangement to undermine its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
“It is wicked, vexatious and mendacious to associate his name with any compromise with the ruling APC and its key drivers,” the party declared.
The opposition party attributed the allegations to unnamed political opponents who, it alleged, were unsettled by what it described as the growing popularity and spread of the NDC across Nigeria.
The party urged its supporters and members to disregard the allegations and remain focused on its electoral campaign.
“We urge all our teeming supporters, members and well-wishers to remain steadfast, keep their eyes on the ball, and work assiduously for victory for our Presidential Candidate and his running mate, and indeed all candidates contesting on the platform of the NDC,” the statement said.
“Together, we stand. Together, we shall win,” the party added.
