NDC crisis: Dickson, Obi resolve differences in three-hour closed-door meeting

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 as well as 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 some recent developments that had become a source of concern among 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 tensions among some members of the party, prompting concerns about its unity ahead of future political contests.

However, Dickson insisted that despite the differences, 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 certain issues had emerged within the party but noted that the leadership had reached an understanding on how to address them going forward.

The NDC leader used the opportunity to appeal to party members to refrain from actions capable of deepening divisions within the party.

“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,” Dickson said.

He assured members that consultations among party leaders and stakeholders would continue to ensure that grievances are addressed promptly and that the party remains united in pursuit of its objectives.

“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,” he stated.

The meeting is expected to calm tensions within the party and reinforce efforts by its leadership to present a united front ahead of future political engagements.