The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Senator Seriake Dickson, has disclosed that he held a closed-door meeting with the party’s presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, and other key leaders of the party, during which lingering issues within the opposition party were discussed and resolved.
Dickson made this known in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Thursday, saying the meeting lasted about three hours and focused on reviewing the activities of the party and addressing recent concerns that had generated tension among members.
According to the former Bayelsa State governor, the meeting ended on a positive note, with all parties agreeing on the way forward to strengthen unity and cohesion within the NDC.
“I just received my brother, colleague and partner in the New Nigerian Project, His Excellency Mr Peter Obi, CON, our presidential candidate, who, together with some distinguished leaders of our party, held a closed-door meeting which lasted about three hours,” Dickson stated.
He said the discussions centred on the affairs of the party and recent developments that had become a source of concern to stakeholders.
“In the course of that meeting, we reviewed the activities of our party and discussed a few recent issues that have been a source of concern to all sides, and we amicably resolved all the issues,” he added.
The meeting comes amid reports of internal disagreements and growing tension within the party, especially following recent public exchanges among some members and supporters.
However, Dickson insisted that despite the issues raised, the party leadership remained united on its broader objective of winning elections and providing an alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
“We have always been on the same page on the bigger picture, that is winning the elections for all candidates of our party and rescuing Nigeria from the misgovernance of the APC-led government,” he said.
He acknowledged that concerns had emerged within the party, but said the leadership had reached an understanding on how to address them going forward.
Dickson appealed to party members and supporters to avoid actions capable of deepening division within the NDC.
“I want to use this opportunity again to call on all members of our party to stop the bickering and name-calling and focus on the bigger picture,” he said.
He assured members that consultations among party leaders and stakeholders would continue in order to resolve grievances promptly and preserve the party’s unity.
“Both His Excellency Peter Obi and I, as well as other leaders and stakeholders of our party, will continue to consult and engage with one another to address and resolve concerns, strengthen the unity and cohesion of our party, and ensure that we remain focused on our shared mission of rescuing Nigeria and building a better future for all,” Dickson stated.
The meeting is expected to calm tensions within the party and reinforce efforts by the NDC leadership to present a united front ahead of future political engagements.
