Seriake Dickson Reveals Why He Dumped PDP For NDC

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.

Dickson announced the decision on Thursday while addressing journalists, supporters and political associates at his residence in Abuja, stating that the move followed months of consultations and reflection on the state of the nation’s democracy and the internal crisis within the PDP.

The senator described himself as a man of conviction, adding that the decision to leave the PDP was reached after extensive consultations with political allies across the country.

He welcomed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, describing it as a victory for constitutional democracy and the rule of law.

According to him, the party’s registration followed a Federal High Court judgment affirming citizens’ constitutional right to freedom of association.

“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.

Dickson commended the judiciary for what he described as its impartial role in upholding the Constitution and also praised INEC for complying with the court’s directive.

The former governor expressed concern over what he described as the deteriorating condition of the PDP.

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

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

He, however, lamented that internal conflicts and leadership challenges had weakened the party in recent years.

Dickson warned against Nigeria drifting toward a one-party state, stressing that the country’s diversity makes such a political arrangement undesirable.

He disclosed that he had resisted several attempts to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the past because of his belief in the importance of a strong opposition.

“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.

The senator also thanked his constituents for their continued support, noting that he had served as a two-term governor of Bayelsa State, a member of the House of Representatives and now as a senator.

Dickson explained that the idea behind establishing the NDC was to create a credible ideological alternative for Nigerians.

He said the initiative eventually led to a legal battle with INEC over the association’s registration, which was resolved after the court ruled in favour of the promoters.

Following the announcement, the party’s leadership formally welcomed him and presented him with the NDC’s official flag and a membership card numbered “001,” symbolising his status as one of the founding members.

In his remarks, the National Chairman of the NDC, Senator Cleopas Moses Zuwogeh, said the party would provide a platform for Nigerians seeking transparent governance and inclusive leadership.

“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.

He expressed confidence that the party would strengthen Nigeria’s democratic space and serve as a viable political alternative.