Former Bayelsa State governor and senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, has explained his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and join the newly registered Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), saying the move followed months of consultations and reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democracy.
Dickson announced the defection on Thursday while addressing journalists, supporters and political associates at his Abuja residence. According to him, the decision came after careful consideration of the internal challenges facing the PDP and the need to strengthen democratic participation in the country.
He described himself as a politician guided by conviction, noting that his choice was made after extensive consultations with allies across the country.
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.
Dickson explained that the party’s promoters had approached the court after initial efforts to register the association as a political party were unsuccessful. The legal battle, he said, eventually resulted in a favourable judgment from the Federal High Court, which ruled that denying the group registration violated 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 ruled in our favour, affirming that citizens have the right to freely associate and participate in the political process,” he said.
He commended the judiciary for what he described as its impartial role in defending the constitution and also praised INEC for complying with the court’s ruling by registering the party.
Dickson said the emergence of the NDC would strengthen Nigeria’s multiparty system by creating a fresh platform for political participation and credible opposition politics.
“This is a new platform for Nigerians who believe in democratic governance and national development. It also provides an opportunity to deepen multiparty democracy in the country,” he said.
The senator, however, expressed concern over the current condition of the PDP, noting that the once-dominant opposition party had weakened significantly in recent years.
According to him, the party that once generated hope among Nigerians is now struggling with serious internal challenges.
“The PDP, which once inspired excitement across the country, is now gravely ill and currently on the Intensive Care Unit,” Dickson said.
Reflecting on the party’s earlier years, he recalled that the PDP once served as a broad political platform that united Nigerians from different backgrounds while promoting minority interests and strengthening democratic governance.
He lamented that persistent internal conflicts and leadership crises had gradually eroded the party’s cohesion and effectiveness.
Dickson also warned against the danger of Nigeria drifting toward a one-party system, stressing that such an arrangement would be unhealthy for a diverse nation.
He disclosed that he had resisted previous attempts to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including during his time as governor, because of his belief in the importance of a strong opposition.
Describing his departure from the PDP as painful but unavoidable, he said the circumstances within the party left him with little alternative.
“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.
Dickson thanked his constituents for their continued support, noting that he had been privileged to serve Nigeria as a two-term governor of Bayelsa State, a member of the House of Representatives, and now as a senator.
He also recalled his role in Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement in the late 1990s, when he joined other young activists in mobilising Nigerians for the transition to civil rule.
Dickson said he joined the PDP in 2005 and remained a committed member for nearly two decades before deciding to adopt a new political platform.
According to him, the idea behind establishing the NDC was to provide Nigerians with a credible ideological alternative in the political landscape.
He expressed confidence that the party would grow into a strong political force capable of contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s democratic development.
Following his remarks, Dickson was formally received by the party leadership and presented with the NDC flag. He was also issued a membership card bearing the number “001,” symbolising his status as one of the party’s pioneer members.
Speaking at the event, the National Chairman of the NDC, Cleopas Moses Zuwogeh, urged Nigerians who have lost faith in the political system to see the party as a renewed platform for democratic engagement and national transformation.
Zuwogeh said the NDC aims to promote transparency, accountability and inclusive leadership, adding that its leadership would provide direction as the party begins its political activities across the country.
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