Seriake Dickson, the National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has explained the reasons behind his departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the formation of the new opposition platform.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’ on Wednesday, the former Bayelsa State governor said his decision was driven by his belief in the importance of a strong opposition in a democratic system, stressing that democracy cannot function without it.
Dickson noted that he does not follow political trends or move with the majority, adding that many politicians align with the ruling party in search of what he described as federal influence and support to manipulate electoral outcomes.
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He further argued that such political behavior often involves the misuse of security agencies and electoral processes to intimidate opponents and undermine democratic participation.
Explaining his personal experience in opposition politics, he said:
“I am not a politician of that mode. Since 2015 PDP lost federal power, I was the first opposition governor who bore the brunt of that federal loss of power.
“I have been in for sometime as an opposition politician. So, being in the opposition doesn’t scare me,” he said.