National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, has explained why he chose not to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), saying he was opposed to the emergence of a one-party political system in Nigeria.
Dickson spoke in Abuja on Thursday while receiving the management of LEADERSHIP Newspaper, led by its Vice Chairman, Mike Okpere, who presented him with the notification of the newspaper’s 2026 Politician of the Year award.
The former Bayelsa State governor said his decision followed what he described as the decline of his former party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Rather than defect to the APC, Dickson said he chose to help establish the NDC as an alternative political platform aimed at sustaining multiparty democracy.
“I did not believe Nigeria should become a one-party state,” Dickson said, explaining the reason for his decision.
According to him, the NDC was formed at a time when there were doubts about whether a new political party could develop into a significant force in the country.
Dickson said the party had since grown into what he described as a major opposition platform, while thanking Nigerians, party leaders, members and supporters for their contributions to the political project.
He also acknowledged the roles of the NDC’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, in the development of the party.
Dickson Urges NDC Members to Focus on 2027
With the NDC having concluded its candidate-selection process for the 2027 elections, Dickson urged party members to put disagreements arising from the exercise behind them.
He called on members to concentrate on mobilising support for the party’s candidates and strengthening the NDC ahead of the general elections.
Dickson said the party should challenge the APC through democratic means rather than allow internal disagreements to distract from its political objectives.
He also called on President Bola Tinubu and security agencies to provide a peaceful environment where political parties and candidates can campaign freely.
The NDC leader urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other stakeholders to work towards free, fair and credible elections.
He further appealed to politicians to respect the judiciary and avoid turning every political disagreement into prolonged litigation, saying electoral disputes should ultimately be settled through democratic processes.
Dickson dedicated his LEADERSHIP award to NDC members and Nigerians who have supported the party’s efforts to promote multiparty democracy in the country.
