Obi Pays Early-Morning Visit to NDC Leader Seriake Dickson, Shares Details

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, paid an early-morning visit to the party’s leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, on Friday.

Obi visited the former Bayelsa State governor to offer condolences following the death of his long-serving aide, retired DSP Zamani Tanko, who served him for more than 15 years.

The former Anambra State governor disclosed details of the visit in a post on his X account on Friday morning.

He said, “It is with deep sorrow that I learned last night of the passing of DSP Zamani Tanko (Rtd) who was a faithful aide to my dear brother and our Party Leader Senator Henry Seriake Dickson for over 15 years. This morning, I visited Senator Dickson to share in his grief and that of his entire team. DSP Zamani served with loyalty and dedication, and his loss will be felt by all who knew him.”

Obi also extended his condolences to Senator Dickson, the family of the deceased, and all those affected by the loss.

“On behalf of myself and my family, I extend heartfelt condolences to Senator Dickson, DSP Zamani’s family, and everyone touched by his life. May God Almighty who called him home grant him eternal rest in His kingdom; and continue to bless his family always.”

Meanwhile, the NDC recently announced the implementation of a newly introduced anti-defection oath aimed at discouraging elected officials from leaving the political platform that sponsored their election.

Party leaders argued that frequent defections weaken political institutions and erode voter confidence. However, they clarified that the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, are exempt from signing the oath.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, the party’s National Secretary, Ikenna Enekweizu, explained that political parties operate as voluntary associations whose members are bound by their internal rules.

“Our main focus is not the governor; it’s not the president, it’s the national and state assembly members elected on the platform of our party.”