The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, has acknowledged that the party’s recent primaries were not without flaws, but says members must remain patient as the young political movement works through the challenges of rapid growth and prepares for the elections ahead.

According to a report by cbinewstv, National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, has appealed to aggrieved aspirants to remain calm following complaints arising from the party’s recently concluded primaries.

Speaking during an interview with the media and later sharing his remarks on his official X handle, Dickson admitted that the primaries experienced some irregularities. However, he stressed that the exercise should be viewed within the context of the party's rapid development and limited timeframe.

Dickson sympathised with aspirants who may feel disappointed by the process, noting that while the primaries were not perfect, the party is still finding its footing.

"We are not claiming that the exercise was flawless, but we ask members to bear with the party considering the circumstances we are managing," he said.

The former Bayelsa State governor pointed out that the NDC is only four months old and has had to navigate a packed electoral timetable. According to him, the party has simultaneously handled membership registration, congresses, a national convention, primary elections, appeal processes and now reconciliation efforts.

He also argued that the challenges encountered are not unique to the NDC, noting that larger and more established political parties have faced similar issues.

Dickson blamed many of the complaints on the direct primary system required under the Electoral Act, maintaining that compulsory direct primaries have generated concerns across political parties.

Despite the controversies, he expressed confidence that the NDC performed creditably considering its age and the large number of aspirants involved in the exercise.

Addressing reports circulating online, Dickson dismissed claims that winners had already emerged from the primaries, urging members of the public to ignore unofficial announcements and wait for the party's formal communication through the appropriate channels.

He revealed that the NDC had anticipated post-primary disputes and had already established a Reconciliation Committee to work with state caucus leaders and stakeholders in resolving grievances.

Looking ahead, Dickson assured members that future primaries would be significantly improved through the deployment of technology.

"This is our first set of primaries and also the last that will be conducted manually. Future primaries will be technology-driven and free from these issues," he stated.

The NDC leader also thanked party members and supporters for their financial contributions and sacrifices, describing the party as a self-funded movement operating without the backing of government officials.

He encouraged members to remain united and rally behind the party's candidates ahead of the elections, reaffirming support for the NDC presidential ticket of Peter Obi and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Dickson further urged state party leaders to actively support reconciliation efforts, stressing that this is a period for unity and responsibility rather than blame-shifting.

As the NDC moves into its reconciliation phase, the party leadership says its focus remains on healing divisions, strengthening internal democracy and presenting a united front ahead of the polls.

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