Former presidential candidates Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso were welcomed into the National Democratic Coalition (NDC) by Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, who described their arrival as a turning point for the rapidly growing political movement.
Speaking to party members and supporters at the event, Dickson claimed that even in the absence of a formal mobilization, the duo’s influence was visible in the enormous enthusiasm that followed their appearance.
“Your Excellencies and members of your entourage, I welcome you—even though you did not come with a crowd. But you are both the personification of a crowd, and the crowd has followed you here.”
“On behalf of all well-meaning Nigerians… I welcome you to the NDC family—the fastest-growing political family in Nigeria.”
He said, “A family that is ready to punch above its weight. I welcome you to a party that has no faction, a party that has no litigation whatsoever… a party that does not know what is called ‘status quo ante bellum’.”
“I welcome you to a party for Nigerian women and youth—to a party of dedicated servants of the people like you.”
“Let me assure you, on behalf of our party’s leadership, that the two of you are among our nation’s biggest political brands,” he said. “It is our pride today that you are leading Nigerians to invest their time in this party.”
“We know what you are bringing on board. There will be times when we unveil the political process in the party.”
“What we are witnessing today is like when a father has a beautiful daughter with many suitors.”
He added, “You may have a handsome suitor, but good looks do not feed the daughter—you must also consider the pocket. And when the right suitor comes, my people say you do not even wait for the payment of the bride price.”
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Rose Ajieh
