…warns against one-party state in Nigeria
Allen Harry
Former Bayelsa State Governor and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Henry Seriake Dickson, has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and announced his defection to the newly formed Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), a political platform he founded.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, March 5, Dickson described his decision to leave the PDP as painful and emotional, noting that the party had been the platform through which he rose to national prominence.
He recalled that his political journey under the PDP began in 2005 when he was appointed Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Bayelsa State.
The former governor said he remained committed to the party for many years and made several efforts to help resolve its lingering internal crises, but those efforts ultimately yielded no meaningful progress.
According to him, the persistent instability within the party forced him to seek an alternative platform to continue his political engagement and pursue what he described as a more ideological and service-driven political movement through the NDC.
Dickson stressed that despite several overtures from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), he rejected the idea of joining the party because he believes Nigeria must avoid drifting toward a one-party state.
“Nigeria cannot be a one-party state. The country was not designed to function that way. We are a diverse nation; culturally, politically and religiously and that diversity is part of our strength. Anyone or any party promoting a one-party system does not mean well for our democracy”, he said.
Reflecting on his time in the PDP, Dickson said he had always believed in building political institutions rather than frequently switching parties.
“I am not someone who believes in jumping from one party to another. I believe in building a party. For the PDP, I gave my all. If not for the current circumstances and the direction the party has taken, I would have remained.”
He explained that after extensive consultations with political associates across the country, the decision was taken to form a new political platform capable of providing credible opposition and advancing national development.
Dickson also recounted the difficulties encountered during the registration process of the NDC, revealing that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) initially rejected the party’s application for what he described as “strange reasons.”
He said it took judicial intervention to compel the electoral body to recognize and accept the party’s registration.
The senator also criticized the APC-led federal government, blaming its policies for Nigeria’s worsening economic conditions and the hardship currently faced by many citizens.
According to him, he could not align with what he described as the ruling party’s ideology, which he believes has contributed to the country’s ongoing struggles.
READ ALSO: Dickson Calls for Bold Electoral Reform, Says ‘Burden of Proof Must Shift to INEC’
Dickson noted that the NDC would promote core democratic principles, including true federalism, devolution of powers, respect for the judiciary, and institutional reforms necessary for strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
He further accused sections of the political elite of engaging in what he called “class suicide” by undermining democratic institutions and attempting to weaken the electoral system.
While calling on Nigerians to remain vigilant, he urged citizens to defend their votes in future elections.
On why he chose not to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dickson said the NDC represents a clearer and more credible ideological alternative for Nigerians.
Although he acknowledged the efforts of leaders within the ADC to sustain multi-party democracy, he said the composition of the party leaves him uncertain whether it represents a genuine coalition or what he termed “a collusion.”
The former governor also dismissed claims that the NDC is a regional political platform, insisting that the party has a national outlook and membership spread across the country.
“The NDC is a credible alternative, and our ideals are rooted in the fundamental principles required for democracy to thrive,” he said.
He added that the party would soon begin nationwide mobilization and predicted that many prominent Nigerians would join its ranks in the coming months.
Dickson said: “In the coming days and weeks, Nigerians will see how we mobilize across the country. We are not a regional party. The laws guiding the registration of political parties do not even recognize such classifications anymore.
“Very soon, you will see prominent Nigerians joining us. We are determined to win influence across the country and ultimately compete for leadership at the center. It is possible because politics is ultimately about the people.”
Speaking on the implications for Bayelsa State, Dickson assured that his political activities would continue to be guided by tolerance, maturity and respect for peace in the state.
He, however, maintained that the emergence of the NDC would introduce a new political dynamic that would soon resonate across Bayelsa and beyond.
At the event, the protem National Chairman of the NDC, Senator Moses Cleopas, formally presented Dickson with the party’s membership card number 001 and the party flag, symbolizing his official entry and leadership role in the new political movement.