Several candidates of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) whose names appeared on the list recently published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have commended the party’s National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, for his role in the party’s candidate nomination process.

The publication of the candidates’ list followed weeks of uncertainty among some aspirants, particularly those seeking election into the Senate and House of Representatives, over the delay in the release of the names.

Some of the candidates said Dickson played a key role in resolving internal disagreements that arose after the party’s primaries and reconciliation process, describing his intervention as instrumental to the eventual publication of the list.

The candidates also rejected allegations that party tickets were sold to the highest bidders, insisting that the nomination process was transparent despite challenges experienced during the primaries.

The NDC candidate for Abia Central Senatorial District, Senator Nkechi Nwaogu, praised Dickson’s leadership during the exercise.

She said: “The National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, deserves accolades for the way he navigated the trying times that the primaries, reconciliations and nomination of candidates were finally concluded. Nobody is perfect, but he acted in the interest of our party.”

Nwaogu urged aspirants who were unsuccessful at the primaries to remain committed to the party.

“I appeal to aspirants who did not get tickets to see this as a contest in which those who lost today can win tomorrow. They should work with our party to ensure its victory in the 2027 elections,” she said.

A Canada-based aspirant who was unsuccessful in his bid for a House of Representatives ticket also defended the party leadership, saying Dickson spent months reconciling aggrieved aspirants and stakeholders after the primaries.

According to him, the party leader did not interfere with the conduct of the primaries by state stakeholders and committees but focused on resolving disputes that emerged afterwards.

Another aspirant from Edo State also dismissed claims that party tickets were sold, saying he met Dickson on several occasions without any discussion about money.

He added that Dickson had made significant personal sacrifices since the formation of the party and called on members to unite behind the party’s candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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 remain united despite the outcome of the primaries.

In a Facebook post following the release of the INEC list, Iroegbu acknowledged that his name was omitted but pledged continued support for the party.

“My sincere goodwill further goes to all the candidates of my party, the NDC, and I wish them the very best as they advance. Although my aspiration did not materialise this moment, my commitment to the people remains firm, and I will continue to work for the progress of my community,” he said.

He also called on his supporters to back the party’s leadership and candidates throughout the election process.

The publication of the candidates’ list comes as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections.