Why I defected to NDC – Seriake Dickson

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By Henry Umoru

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ABUJA — Former Governor of Bayelsa State and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), a newly registered political party.

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Dickson announced his decision on Thursday while addressing journalists, supporters, political associates and stakeholders at his Abuja residence, saying the move followed months of consultations and deep reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democracy and the internal challenges confronting the PDP.

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He described himself as a man of conviction, noting that the decision was taken after extensive consultations with political allies across the country.

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The senator welcomed the registration of the NDC by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing it as a victory for constitutional democracy and the rule of law.

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According to him, the registration followed a judgment of the Federal High Court affirming the constitutional right to freedom of association after the court ruled that denying the group registration breached the fundamental rights of citizens.

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Dickson explained that the promoters of the party had initially approached the court after attempts to register the association as a political party were unsuccessful.

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

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He commended the Nigerian judiciary for what he described as its impartial role in upholding the constitution and also appreciated INEC for complying with the court’s judgment.

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Dickson said the emergence of the NDC would help strengthen Nigeria’s multiparty democratic system and provide a credible platform for political participation.

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“This is a fresh platform for Nigerians who believe in democratic governance and national development. It is also an opportunity to deepen multiparty democracy and provide credible opposition politics in the country,” he said.

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The senator, however, expressed concern over the current state of the PDP, noting that the opposition party had deteriorated significantly.

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According to him, the party that once dominated Nigeria’s political landscape had become gravely weakened.

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

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Reflecting on the party’s past, he noted that the PDP once served as a broad political platform that united Nigerians across diverse backgrounds and interests, while also promoting the interests of minority groups and strengthening democratic governance.

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He lamented that in recent years the party had been weakened by internal conflicts and leadership challenges, which he said had affected its cohesion and effectiveness.

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Dickson warned that Nigeria must avoid drifting towards a one-party system, stressing that the country’s diversity makes such an arrangement undesirable.

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He disclosed that he had previously resisted attempts to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including during his tenure as governor, because he believed strongly in the need for a vibrant opposition in Nigeria’s democracy.

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Describing his decision to leave the PDP as painful but necessary, Dickson said the prevailing circumstances within the party left him with little choice.

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“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.

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He thanked his constituents for their continued confidence in him, noting that he had been privileged to serve as a two-term governor of Bayelsa State, a member of the House of Representatives, and now as a senator.

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Dickson also recalled his involvement in Nigeria’s democratic struggle in the late 1990s, noting that he was among a group of young Nigerians who mobilised youths across the country to participate in the transition to civil rule.

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He said he joined the PDP in 2005 and had remained a loyal member of the party for nearly two decades.

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

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Dickson explained that the effort eventually led to the formation of the NDC after a legal battle with INEC over the registration of the association.

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He said the court eventually ruled in favour of the group and directed the electoral commission to proceed with the registration.

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The senator commended INEC for complying with the court order and completing the registration process, adding that he had formally adopted the NDC as his new political platform.

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Dickson expressed confidence that the party would contribute to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy by offering voters a credible alternative.

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He noted that the aim of the new platform is not to deepen political divisions but to build a broad coalition of democratic forces capable of offering Nigerians a viable political alternative.

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He called on political leaders across the country to place national interest above partisan considerations and work together to safeguard Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

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Dickson expressed optimism that with the support of Nigerians who share the vision of a stronger and more inclusive democracy, the NDC would grow into a formidable political force.

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He also assured that the party would remain open to collaboration with individuals and groups committed to democratic governance and national unity.

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Shortly after his remarks, Dickson was formally welcomed into the party by its leadership.

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

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In his remarks, the National Chairman of the NDC, Senator Cleopas Moses Zuwogeh, urged Nigerians who may have lost confidence in the political system to see the party as a renewed platform for democratic engagement and national transformation.

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Zuwogeh said the emergence of the party represented a significant step toward strengthening Nigeria’s democratic space.

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“The NDC is a platform for Nigerians from all backgrounds to come together and contribute meaningfully to governance. Our goal is to promote transparency, accountability and inclusive leadership,” he said.

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He expressed confidence that the party’s leadership would provide the necessary direction as the NDC begins its political activities across the country.

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