By Peter Legacy | NOL24 TV (Media Cathedral)

ABUJA, Nigeria — The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has intensified efforts to consolidate party unity ahead of the 2027 general elections, with its National Chairman, Senator Seriake Dickson, announcing the successful resolution of key post-primary election disputes in Delta State and reaffirming the party’s commitment to presenting what he described as a new generation of competent leadership across the South-South region.

Speaking after a series of consultations, reconciliation meetings, and stakeholder engagements, Dickson disclosed that the party had made significant progress in addressing grievances arising from the recently concluded primaries, particularly in Delta State, one of the country’s most politically strategic states.

According to him, the interventions have laid the groundwork for the commencement of electioneering activities and campaign preparations across the state and the wider South-South geopolitical zone.

“Today was another busy day filled with consultations, meetings, consensus-building efforts, and reconciliation engagements.

Of particular note was the stakeholders’ meeting which I convened for Delta State stakeholders. During the meeting, we successfully resolved and settled a number of post-primary election issues, thereby laying a solid foundation for the take-off of our party’s election activities and the upcoming campaigns in Delta State and across the South-South region.

I commend the maturity, understanding, and sense of responsibility displayed by all stakeholders. I recommend this same spirit to other states where, unfortunately, even contests for House of Assembly seats have generated unnecessary disagreements instead of understanding and teamwork.”

United Front Behind Deacon Chris Iyovwaye

A major outcome of the meeting, Dickson revealed, was the decision of all Delta State governorship aspirants to close ranks behind the party’s flag bearer, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, whose emergence has generated increasing interest within the state’s political landscape.

The NDC chairman described Iyovwaye as a highly accomplished businessman with the requisite experience, educational qualifications, and exposure needed to govern Delta State effectively.

“I particularly commend all the Delta State governorship aspirants who have resolved to work together with the candidate who emerged from this process, in the person of Deacon Chris Iyovwaye. Deacon Chris is an accomplished businessman with the right exposure, experience, and educational background. There is no doubt that he possesses the qualities required to serve the people of Delta State effectively as governor.

Across the country, NDC governorship candidates are individuals of proven quality. In the South-South, we are determined to ensure that the leadership failures and inexperience that often result in petty, shortsighted, and divisive conduct become a thing of the past. Deacon Chris will make an excellent governor, and we urge all party members and supporters to rally behind him as we prepare for his formal unveiling.”

Political observers view the endorsement as a significant step toward strengthening party cohesion in Delta State, where post-primary disputes have historically weakened electoral prospects for several political parties.

NEC Preparations Signal Growing Party Structure

Beyond Delta State, Dickson also hosted a Pre-National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting attended by state chairmen and members of the party’s National Working Committee ahead of the formal NEC session scheduled to hold at the party’s National Secretariat.

The gathering, according to him, served as an informal opportunity to reflect on the party’s growth and appreciate officials who have worked to establish the NDC as a viable national political platform.

“I also hosted a Pre-NEC Meeting ahead of the formal National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled to hold tomorrow at the party’s National Secretariat. It has become our tradition to host a light-hearted and informal reception as a prelude to the formal proceedings of the NEC.

During the gathering, I expressed my appreciation to all our State Chairmen and members of the National Working Committee for their understanding, hard work, sacrifice, and dedication. I reminded them that the party has grown bigger than any individual and reflected on how we collectively defied what appeared to be almost insurmountable odds—from securing party registration, conducting voter registration, organizing congresses, and successfully concluding primaries, all within a remarkably short period.”

“We Have Been in the Trenches”

Dickson used the occasion to reflect on the party’s rapid rise since its registration, describing the journey as one characterized by relentless work, strategic consultations, and nationwide mobilization.

“Since February this year, we have all been in the trenches. For me personally, it has been a daily commitment from morning until night, attending meetings, consultations, and numerous activities aimed at building this party into a credible national platform.

I therefore thanked our State Chairmen and National Officers for keeping faith with the vision and mission of the NDC and urged them to continue working even harder as we prepare for tomorrow’s formal NEC meeting and the important tasks ahead.”

A Test of Political Maturity

The successful reconciliation of competing interests in Delta State is likely to be viewed as an important test of the NDC’s ability to manage internal democracy while maintaining party cohesion. As campaigns gradually take shape ahead of the next electoral cycle, the party’s capacity to keep aspirants, stakeholders, and grassroots structures united could prove decisive.

For now, the message from the party leadership is clear: the primaries are over, the campaigns are approaching, and the focus has shifted from internal contests to building a united political movement capable of competing across Delta State, the South-South region, and the nation at large.

— Peter Legacy, NOL24 TV (Media Cathedral)