The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed allegations that its National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, is working with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to undermine the opposition party and its presidential ticket.
The party, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, described the allegation as “malicious lies” and insisted that Dickson had no secret or open arrangement with the APC.
The NDC said it would ordinarily have ignored what it described as rumours and “beer-parlour talk” but decided to respond because repeated unchallenged allegations could eventually be accepted as truth.
“Our National Leader, Distinguished Senator Seriake Dickson, is not a front for the ruling APC or anyone else. He has no secret or open deal whatsoever with the ruinous and diabolical APC regime,” the statement said.
The party argued that Dickson’s political record did not support the allegation, noting that he could have joined the APC but instead chose to remain with the NDC and participate in building the party.
According to the NDC, Dickson’s record during his years in the Senate demonstrated what it described as his “consistent, courageous and principled position” on national issues.
The party further alleged that the accusations were being promoted by political opponents who, it claimed, were concerned about the growing acceptance of the NDC across the country.
The NDC urged its members, supporters and well-wishers to remain focused on the party’s political activities and work towards the success of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and other candidates contesting under the party’s platform.
The statement called on party supporters to remain steadfast, declaring: “Together, we stand. Together, we shall win.”
The NDC also reaffirmed its campaign message that “A New Nigeria is Possible.”
