Why I chose NDC — Seriake Dickson

Former Bayelsa State Governor and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, has formally resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and declared his allegiance to the newly registered Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

Dickson made the announcement on Thursday at his Abuja residence while addressing journalists, supporters and political associates, describing the move as the outcome of months of consultations and deep reflection on the future of Nigeria’s democracy.

The senator said his decision was not taken lightly, but became necessary due to the internal challenges confronting the PDP and the urgent need to strengthen democratic alternatives in the country.

According to him, the registration of the NDC by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) represents a victory for constitutional democracy and the rule of law.

Dickson disclosed that promoters of the party had earlier approached the court after their initial attempt to register the political platform was rejected.

“We went to court because we believed our constitutional right to freedom of association had been breached,” he said.

“The court listened to all arguments and delivered judgment in our favour, affirming that citizens have the right to freely associate and participate in the political process.”

He commended the Nigerian judiciary for what he described as its impartial role in upholding the constitution and also praised INEC for complying with the court ruling that eventually paved the way for the party’s registration.

Dickson noted that the emergence of the NDC would help strengthen Nigeria’s multi-party democracy and create a credible platform for political participation.

“This is a fresh platform for Nigerians who believe in democratic governance and national development,” he said.

“It is also an opportunity to deepen multiparty democracy and provide credible opposition politics in the country.”

‘PDP Is Gravely Ill’ — Dickson

While reflecting on his exit from the PDP, Dickson expressed deep concern about the current state of the party, describing it as seriously weakened by internal divisions.

“The PDP, which once brought hope and excitement to many Nigerians, is now gravely ill and currently on the Intensive Care Unit,” he said.

He recalled that the party once served as a broad national platform that united Nigerians across different regions and backgrounds while promoting democratic governance and minority interests.

However, he lamented that persistent internal crises and leadership challenges in recent years have eroded the party’s cohesion and political strength.

Dickson warned that Nigeria must guard against the danger of drifting toward a one-party system, noting that the country’s diversity makes such a political arrangement unhealthy for democracy.

The senator also revealed that he had previously resisted pressure to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), even during his tenure as governor, because of his belief in the importance of a strong opposition in a democratic system.

He described leaving the PDP as a painful decision but insisted that the prevailing circumstances within the party left him with little choice.

“As painful and emotionally unpleasant as it is to leave this great party that offered us so much, we have to move on,” he said.

A New Political Platform

Dickson thanked his constituents for the opportunity to serve them in various capacities, including as a two-term governor of Bayelsa State, a member of the House of Representatives, and now as a senator.

He also reflected on his role in Nigeria’s democratic struggle in the late 1990s, noting that he was among the young Nigerians who mobilised youths across the country during the transition from military rule to civil governance.

According to him, the vision of establishing a new political platform was driven by the need to provide Nigerians with a credible ideological alternative.

The idea eventually culminated in the formation of the NDC after a prolonged legal battle with INEC over the party’s registration.

Following the successful registration, Dickson formally adopted the party as his new political platform and expressed optimism that it would grow into a formidable force in Nigeria’s political landscape.

NDC Leadership Welcomes Dickson

Shortly after his announcement, Dickson was officially received by the leadership of the NDC.

He was presented with the party’s flag and issued a membership card bearing the number “001”, symbolising his status as one of the pioneering members of the party.

In his remarks, the party’s National Chairman, Cleopas Moses Zuwogeh, described Dickson’s entry into the party as a significant development.

Zuwogeh said the NDC would serve as a platform for Nigerians who seek transparency, accountability and inclusive leadership.

“The NDC is a platform for Nigerians from all backgrounds to come together and contribute meaningfully to governance,” he said.

He added that the party aims to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic space while providing a credible alternative for voters across the country.

Dickson, however, emphasised that the goal of the new political platform is not to deepen political divisions but to build a broad coalition capable of promoting democratic governance and national unity.

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