Senator Seriake Dickson Dumps PDP, Joins Nigeria Democratic Congress

The Senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, has announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party and his decision to join the newly registered Nigeria Democratic Congress.

The former Bayelsa State governor made the announcement during a media briefing in Abuja.

He explained that his decision to leave the PDP was due to what he described as irreconcilable differences within the party.

Dickson said the Nigeria Democratic Congress, recently registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission, would serve as a credible opposition platform capable of strengthening Nigeria’s democratic space. He also encouraged Nigerians to identify with and register in the party.

“Last week INEC issued a certificate of registration and we now have the newest party in Nigeria known as the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and our symbol is victory, the victory sign. So, my dear Nigerians, you now have a credible alternative opposition party known as the Nigeria Democratic Congress.

“Yes, it is coming at this time, we would have wished it started some years or months back, we don’t control INEC and their processes, they delayed, we don’t also control the judiciary, but thank God it has finally arrived,” Dickson said.

Reflecting on his political background, the senator noted that he had long been involved in opposition politics and insisted that Nigeria must not evolve into a one-party state.

“This nation cannot be a one-party state, Nigeria cannot be a one-party state, Nigeria is not designed to be a one-party state. We are a very diverse nation culturally, religiously and politically and that is the beauty of our country.

“So, anyone or any party promoting one-party rule, a one-party state in Nigeria, we build political parties, we get involved in movements to access power for the good of the people, not for our goods and benefits,” he said.

The electoral commission recently announced the registration of two additional political parties — the Democratic Leadership Alliance and the Nigeria Democratic Congress — bringing the total number of registered political parties in the country to 21.

According to the commission, the Democratic Leadership Alliance completed the required verification process, while the Nigeria Democratic Congress was registered following a Federal High Court order.