Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed allegations that its tickets for the 2027 general elections were sold or imposed on candidates, insisting that its recently concluded primaries were conducted in line with democratic principles and party guidelines.
Gatekeepers News reports that NDC leaders, led by former Bayelsa State governor, Seriake Dickson, while addressing concerns over the party’s candidate selection process three weeks after the primaries, rejected claims of financial inducement, imposition of candidates and dictatorship within the party.
Dickson maintained that all candidates emerged through transparent and lawful procedures, despite criticism surrounding the party’s use of consensus arrangements in some states.
“We did not trade tickets for money,” he stated, assuring party members and supporters that the official results of the primaries would be released once the necessary electoral processes are completed.
According to him, the delay in publishing the full list of successful candidates is linked to administrative procedures involving the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“NDC primary election results will be released soon,” Dickson said, explaining that the party is awaiting the opening of INEC’s portal for political parties to upload the details of their candidates.
As preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum, the former governor disclosed that the party has opened a dedicated Campaign Council Fund Account to mobilise resources for nationwide campaign activities.
Dickson also revealed that activist Aisha Yesufu was offered the opportunity to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives on the platform of the party.
According to him, the offer received the backing of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
“Peter Obi and I offered Aisha Yesufu a House of Representatives ticket, but she declined because she preferred to contest for the Senate,” Dickson said.
The disclosure is expected to intensify discussions surrounding candidate selection and internal negotiations within the opposition party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Despite the controversy trailing the primaries, NDC leaders insist the party remains united and focused on presenting credible candidates capable of challenging the ruling party at the polls.
The party said the complete list of candidates would be unveiled once INEC activates the required submission process, bringing clarity to weeks of speculation over the outcome of its primaries.
