Former Bayelsa State Governor and National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, has received a fresh wave of defectors from multiple political parties into the NDC, as realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to gather momentum.

Among those who formally joined the party in Abuja were key political figures from the All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Labour Party (LP), and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including former Deputy Chairman of the LP in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Farouk Datsama; former AMAC Chairman of the ADC, Omale Umoru Sule; former APC Deputy State Chairman, Alhaji Yusuf Dangara; and former PDP Legal Adviser in an Area Council, Godwin Onmonya.

Dickson also announced the defection of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) structure in the FCT, including its chairman and executive members at all levels, describing the development as a major boost to the NDC’s grassroots strength.

“The entirety of SDP is now with us in the FCT, and similar movements are happening quietly across other states. At the appropriate time, Nigerians will see the full picture,” Dickson said.

He described the NDC as a national platform open to all Nigerians, regardless of ethnic or religious background, adding that the party was founded to promote inclusive governance, unity, and development.

“We want a new Nigeria driven by service, peace, and unity. This party belongs to the common people, not moneybags,” he stated, while calling on dissatisfied members of other parties to join what he termed a safe haven.

Dickson expressed confidence that the growing coalition of political actors joining the NDC would strengthen its electoral prospects, particularly in key areas such as the FCT and Lagos, where he said grassroots mobilisers were already aligning with the party.

On internal party processes, the former governor disclosed that the NDC had successfully conducted its first National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting under the supervision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), with congresses expected to be concluded nationwide before the end of the month.

However, Dickson used the occasion to caution against what he described as emerging threats to Nigeria’s multi-party democracy, warning against any attempt to turn the country into a one-party state.

“Nigeria is too large and diverse to be reduced to a one-party system. Democracy thrives on opposition,” he said.

Drawing from Nigeria’s political history, he noted that past administrations, including those of Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, and Goodluck Jonathan, allowed opposition parties to operate freely, stressing that leadership requires restraint in the exercise of power.

He also raised concerns over alleged interference in the internal affairs of political parties, particularly the ADC, warning that such actions could undermine democratic institutions.

“A threat to one opposition party is a threat to all. Political parties must be allowed to resolve their internal issues without undue interference from state institutions,” Dickson said, adding that the NDC would issue a formal statement on the matter.

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Barrister Amanda Pam described the NDC as a credible alternative for Nigerians seeking a strong opposition platform.

“We are here because we believe in the vision of this party and its leadership. We are bringing not just individuals but structures, over 1,700 executives and many more supporters across the FCT,” she said.

Pam, who highlighted her political experience across parties, said the decision to join the NDC was driven by its distinct ideology and commitment to democratic values. (Nigerian Tribune)