Seriake Dickson, founder and national leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has said the party is ready to accommodate politicians seeking a new platform amid ongoing political developments in the country.
Dickson made the remark while speaking about the party’s plans following its recent registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The electoral body formally registered the NDC as a political party in February.
Dickson, who represents Bayelsa West in the Senate and served as governor of Bayelsa State, announced on March 5 that he had joined the newly registered party.
A few days later, on March 15, the party launched a digital platform for membership registration to expand its reach across the country.
According to the lawmaker, the NDC is open to Nigerians searching for a credible political platform.
“Our party is available for all Nigerians who are now helpless and desirous of a change,” he said.
Dickson also stated that the party is prepared to welcome politicians who feel politically displaced due to current developments in the country.
“The NDC is also available to all politicians who are stranded as a result of the political developments in the country, who need a platform that is clean and unencumbered with any political crisis,” he said.
He described the party as one built on ideas and service rather than traditional political structures.
“The NDC is an ideological party and stands for a new brand of politics of ideas and service,” he added.
Dickson said the emergence and rapid growth of the NDC had unsettled some political actors.
“For those who are purveyors of false news, propaganda and their sponsors, I have bad news for them, they have not seen anything yet. The NDC has come to stay and will mobilise all across Nigeria,” he said.
He urged Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora to support the party’s movement.
“While some may feel threatened by our momentum, they should be reminded that no force can stop an idea whose time has come,” he said.
Quoting Indian independence leader Mahatma Gandhi, Dickson added: “First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, and then you win. The NDC will win.”
Dickson’s remarks come amid the ongoing dispute within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following the de-recognition of its leadership by INEC due to ongoing litigation.
The situation has sparked speculation about possible realignments among politicians ahead of future elections.
The former governor also responded to criticism from Umar Ardo, which he described as misguided and sponsored propaganda against the party.
Dickson said Ardo’s remarks were surprising given their previous relationship.
According to him, the NDC revived its registration process after INEC lifted the embargo on new political party registrations last year.
“Dr Ardo is aware of all of this because, being a friend, we spoke, where he explained his frustrations stemming from INEC’s refusal to register the ADA,” Dickson said.
He added that he had advised Ardo to pursue his grievances through the courts.
Dickson also stressed that the NDC has no involvement in the legal disputes surrounding the registration of the ADA.
“I am aware of the challenges he has in court as a result of disputes between him and his fellow promoters of the ADA and the NDC has nothing to do with this and therefore cannot bear any responsibilities for his disappointment and frustration,” he said.