Former Bayelsa State Governor and Senator, Seriake Dickson, has stirred fresh political debate after declaring that he is equally qualified to contest for the office of President of Nigeria as Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, insisting that no aspirant should be portrayed as more competent than another.
Speaking during an appearance on ARISE PrimeTime, Dickson strongly dismissed growing perceptions that Obi’s political influence has elevated the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), arguing instead that the party has provided a platform for national figures to express their ambitions.
According to him, it is misleading to suggest that any individual politician confers relevance on a political party simply by joining its ranks or becoming its candidate.
“There is no one more qualified than me to run for President of Nigeria. None. People mention names because they have tried before, but for some reasons, I chose not to,” Dickson stated.
He maintained that the emergence of high-profile politicians under the party’s umbrella should be seen as a strength of internal democracy rather than dependence on individual popularity.
Dickson further warned against what he described as disrespectful narratives from some supporters of Peter Obi, cautioning that political loyalty should not translate into attacks on party leadership or structure.
“You cannot support Peter Obi and at the same time disparage the leadership or the platform itself. That is not acceptable,” he said.
Reinforcing his position, the senator argued that the NDC has, over time, attracted several notable political actors, including former governors and governorship candidates, even beyond Obi’s entry into the party.
Despite his firm remarks, Dickson reaffirmed Obi’s standing within the party, describing him as a “cherished member” and acknowledging that he had been given the party’s presidential ticket.
“Peter Obi is a cherished member of our party, and on our own we have made him the sole presidential candidate. That counts for something,” he added.
The comments have since sparked renewed debate within political circles over internal party hierarchy, candidate legitimacy, and the growing contest over influence ahead of future elections.
