Some candidates of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) have commended the party’s National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, following the publication of the party’s candidates by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The candidates said the release of the list had eased concerns among aspirants, particularly those contesting National Assembly seats, after weeks of uncertainty over the publication of candidates’ particulars.

In separate remarks, they credited Dickson with helping to steer the party through its post-primary reconciliation process and called on members to remain united ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The NDC’s candidate for Abia Central Senatorial District, Senator Nkechi Nwaogu, said Dickson demonstrated leadership during what she described as a challenging period for the party.

“The National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, deserves commendation for the way he navigated the difficult period following the primaries and the reconciliation process that eventually led to the submission of candidates,” she said.

Nwaogu also appealed to aspirants who did not secure the party’s ticket to remain committed to the NDC and support its candidates during the elections.

“I appeal to aspirants who did not secure tickets to see this as part of the democratic process. Those who were unsuccessful today may succeed tomorrow. We should all work together for the success of our party,” she said.

Some aspirants also rejected allegations that party tickets were sold to the highest bidders, maintaining that they did not experience financial demands during the nomination process.

A House of Representatives aspirant based in Canada, who was unsuccessful in securing the party’s ticket, said Dickson spent considerable time reconciling party stakeholders after the primaries.

According to him, the party’s national leadership focused on resolving disputes that emerged during the primary elections rather than interfering with the selection process conducted at the state level.

Another aspirant from Edo State similarly said he met Dickson on several occasions during the nomination process and claimed that financial inducement was never discussed.

The aspirant described the former Bayelsa State governor as having made significant personal sacrifices in helping to build the relatively new political party.

Meanwhile, an unsuccessful House of Representatives aspirant for Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala Federal Constituency in Imo State, Mazi Nnamdi Dickson Iroegbu, urged party members to move beyond the primary elections and support the NDC in the 2027 polls.

In a statement posted on his Facebook page after INEC published the candidates’ list, Iroegbu acknowledged that his name was not among the party’s candidates but pledged to remain committed to the party.

“My aspiration did not materialise this time, but my commitment to the people remains unwavering. I congratulate all our candidates and urge my supporters to continue supporting the NDC and its leadership,” he said.

The candidates also appealed to party members to close ranks, strengthen internal unity and work towards the party’s success in the forthcoming general elections.