Senator Seriake Dickson, former governor of Bayelsa State and the current senator representing Bayelsa West, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the newly registered Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). The lawmaker announced his decision on Thursday at his residence in Abuja, while addressing journalists, supporters and political associates.
Dickson said the decision followed months of consultations and careful reflection on the state of Nigeria's democracy and the internal challenges within the PDP. He described himself as a politician guided by conviction, stressing that the move was taken after engaging with political allies across the country.
The senator welcomed the recent registration of the NDC by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing the development as a victory for constitutional democracy and the rule of law.
According to him, the party's registration followed a ruling by the Federal High Court, which affirmed citizens' constitutional right to freedom of association after the court held that denying the group registration violated fundamental rights.
Dickson explained that the promoters of the party had approached the court after earlier attempts to register the association as a political party failed.
“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.
He commended the Nigerian judiciary for what he described as its impartial role in defending the constitution and also praised INEC for complying with the court’s directive to register the party.
Dickson expressed confidence that the emergence of the NDC would strengthen Nigeria’s multiparty system and provide a credible platform for political participation.
“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.
The senator, however, voiced concern over the current condition of the PDP, saying the once-dominant party had deteriorated significantly in recent years.
“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 past, he noted that the PDP once served as a broad political platform that united Nigerians from diverse backgrounds while promoting minority interests and democratic governance. He lamented that internal crises and leadership disputes had weakened the party’s cohesion.
Dickson warned against the risk of Nigeria drifting toward a one-party system, stressing that the country’s diversity makes such an arrangement undesirable. He recalled resisting earlier attempts to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including during his tenure as governor, because of his belief in the importance of a strong opposition.
Describing his exit from the PDP as difficult but necessary, Dickson said 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.
Shortly after his remarks, Dickson was formally received into the NDC by its National Chairman, Cleopas Moses Zuwogeh, who presented him with the party’s flag and membership card numbered “001,” symbolising his status as one of the party’s pioneering members. Zuwogeh said the NDC aims to provide Nigerians with a platform for inclusive governance, transparency and accountability.
