Lucky Obukohwo Reporting
Bayelsa West Senator and National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, has disclosed that he rejected the option of joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) because he does not believe Nigeria should drift into a one-party state.
Dickson made the disclosure in Abuja on Thursday while receiving the management of LEADERSHIP Newspaper.
The former Bayelsa State governor said the declining fortunes of his former party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), forced him to reconsider his political options and seek a new platform.
He, however, said rather than defect to another existing political party, he chose to establish the NDC as an alternative political platform for Nigerians.
Dickson said the decision was also informed by his desire to contribute to the strengthening of Nigeria’s multiparty democracy by providing citizens with more political choices and ensuring that alternative voices remain part of the democratic process.
“Months down the line, we have built a formidable party and a major opposition platform in Nigeria,” Dickson said.
He thanked Nigerians, NDC leaders, officials, members and supporters for their confidence, commitment and sacrifice for the party.
Dickson equally acknowledged the contributions of NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to the development of the party.
He urged party members to put aside disagreements stemming from the nomination process and unite behind the party’s candidates, while intensifying efforts to mobilise support ahead of the 2027 general election.
