…Nigerians Hungry for Change — Dickson
The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has said the 2027 general elections will effectively serve as a referendum on the performance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Dickson made the remarks on Monday in Abuja during the formal unveiling of the party’s digital membership registration platform, saying the prevailing economic hardship and rising poverty across the country have left many Nigerians yearning for genuine change.
According to the former Bayelsa State governor, the economic situation under the current administration has created deep frustration among citizens, making the NDC an increasingly attractive alternative for Nigerians seeking a new direction.
His words: “The 2027 election will be between the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the APC. It will be a referendum on the APC’s performance.
“Nigerians today are both angry and hungry, a dangerous combination. They are hungry for change, and the NDC has become a vehicle for that change.”
Dickson revealed that the party has witnessed an overwhelming response to its membership drive barely two weeks after the launch of its digital registration portal.
“The NDC hurricane is gathering momentum and will soon sweep across the country. Just two weeks after our launch and the commencement of registration, the number of Nigerians who have joined has been remarkable. The National Chairman has asked me not to announce the figures yet, but in due course, he will,” he added.
The former governor urged Nigerians to identify with the party and participate in the registration process, expressing confidence that the NDC would meet all statutory requirements within the timeline stipulated by the new Electoral Act.
He noted that the party is built on clear ideological foundations, which he said distinguish it from many other political platforms in the country.
Dickson also likened the NDC to the biblical Ark built by Noah, a symbol of refuge and survival in difficult times, urging Nigerians not to delay in joining the movement.
“The NDC represents hope and genuine change. We are driven by sound ideological principles that set us apart from other political parties.
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“I encourage Nigerians not to worry about the short time available. The Electoral Act does not specify how many people must register before recognition. What is important is participation.
“In many ways, the NDC today resembles Noah’s Ark in the Bible, a vessel built as a refuge before the storm. Those who recognize the signs early and come aboard will be better positioned when the rain and storms come”
Dickson also criticised moves to criminalise multiple party registrations, describing such proposals as undemocratic and inconsistent with the constitutional right to freedom of association.
“While I do not encourage double registration, the Constitution guarantees freedom of association. If someone registered with another party yesterday and today becomes convinced that the NDC offers a better platform, what stops that person from resigning from the former party and joining the new one?” he asked.
He further predicted what he described as “political accidents” within opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections, noting that while some crises may be orchestrated, others such as the challenges facing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) appear largely self-inflicted.
Dickson expressed optimism that despite the political turbulence in the opposition space, the NDC is steadily building a credible national movement capable of offering Nigerians a viable alternative in 2027.