‘Our platform is clean’, ‘ready to accept you’ – NDC leader Dickson tells stranded politicians

Seriake Dickson, founder and national leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has said the party is ready to receive politicians looking for a fresh political platform amid ongoing developments in the country.

The NDC was officially registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in February.

Speaking at a news conference in Abuja on March 5, Dickson, a former governor of Bayelsa State, announced his decision to join the party.

Days later, on March 15, the NDC unveiled a digital platform aimed at simplifying membership registration for Nigerians across the country.

Dickson, who currently represents Bayelsa West in the Senate, said the party is open to citizens and political actors who feel stranded and are searching for a credible alternative.

“Our party is available for all Nigerians who are now helpless and desirous of a change,” he said.

The lawmaker said the party is also open to politicians affected by current political developments.

“The NDC is also available to all politicians who are stranded as a result of the political developments in the country, who need a platform that is clean and unencumbered with any political crisis,” he said.

Dickson said the party represents a new approach to politics, adding that its growth has unsettled some political actors.

“The NDC is an ideological party and stands for a new brand of politics of ideas and service,” he said.

“For those who are purveyors of the false news, propaganda and their sponsors, I have bad news for them, they have not seen anything yet! The NDC has come to stay, and will mobilise all across Nigeria.”

Dickson urged Nigerians to support his movement, noting that the NDC’s momentum cannot be stopped.

“I commend Nigerians at home and in the diaspora for their confidence in the NDC,” he said.

“While some may feel threatened by our momentum, they should be reminded that no force can stop an idea whose time has come.”

“As Mahatma Gandhi famously said: ‘First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, and then you win.’ The NDC will win!”

His statement comes in the wake of the de-recognition of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership by the electoral umpire over ongoing litigation.

Dickson also responded to what he described as “misguided and sponsored propaganda” against the party by Umar Ardo.

He said Ardo’s criticism of the party was surprising given their long-standing relationship.

Dickson said the party revived its application after INEC lifted the embargo on party registration last year.

He said Ardo was aware of the developments surrounding the party’s registration.

“Dr. Ardo is aware of all of this because, being a friend, we spoke, where he explained his frustrations stemming from INEC’s refusal to register the ADA,” he said.

Dickson added that he advised Ardo to approach the court, relaying that the NDC has no connection with ADA’s legal challenges.

“I am aware of the challenges he has in court as a result of disputes between him and his fellow promoters of the ADA and the NDC has nothing to do with this and, therefore, cannot bear any responsibilities for his disappointment and frustration,” he said.

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