The National Leader of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, on Friday received a significant number of defectors from multiple political parties, marking what observers describe as a notable shift in the political landscape of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The defectors, drawn from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Labour Party, and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), were formally unveiled during a press conference held at Dickson’s residence in Abuja.
Leading the delegation was Amanda Pam, a suspended chieftain of the ADC and a seasoned political figure with a long history of public service. Pam, who once served as National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2003, also held the position of Mandate Secretary for Health in the FCT during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Her defection was not a solitary move. She arrived alongside a large contingent of political stakeholders, including ward and local government chairmen, party loyalists, and supporters associated with the influential Kwankwasiyya Movement within the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC). The scale of the turnout underscored the significance of the development and its potential implications for party dynamics in the FCT.
Among those who joined her were prominent figures such as the suspended ADC Chairman of AMAC, Omale Sule; former FCT ADC Women Leader, Princess Gladys Ngozi; former ADC Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Godwin Onoya; ex-Deputy ADC Chairman, Yusuf Adam; and former FCT Youth Leader, Aliyu Umar. Others included Nurudeen Bissallah, a former SDP Chairman in the FCT, and Faruk Datsama, the immediate past Deputy Chairman of the FCT Labour Party.
Addressing journalists at the event, Dickson described the mass defection as a major boost for the NDC, expressing confidence that it would strengthen the party’s position ahead of future political contests.
“Power is good, but it must be used for service,” Dickson said, as he welcomed the new members. He singled out Amanda Pam, describing her as a formidable political figure with deep grassroots connections and a track record of mobilization.
“I want to welcome the former ‘Iron Lady’ of the PDP, Labour Party, ADC, and now NDC, Amanda Pam. She has come with a strong structure—from ward and local government chairmen to key party leaders. I am particularly pleased that she has brought along a significant number of ADC members,” he stated.
Dickson further noted that the NDC is steadily expanding its footprint across the country, with growing presence in states such as Sokoto, Kebbi, and Lagos. As part of the ceremony, he formally presented membership cards to the defectors, symbolizing their official integration into the party.
Speaking on behalf of the new entrants, Pam explained that the decision to defect was driven by the need to align with a political platform that offers clear direction, strong leadership, and a viable opposition alternative.
“We are here because we believe in the vision of this party,” she said. “We are joining a platform with a clear ideology and a leadership structure that inspires confidence. We are bringing with us 1,175 executives and their supporters across the FCT.”
She expressed optimism about the party’s prospects in Abuja, emphasizing that voters in the territory are politically aware and capable of making informed choices.
“Abuja voters know what they want. I can assure you that the NDC is here to stay, and no one will push us out of the FCT,” she added.
Also speaking at the event, Nurudeen Bissallah, who has now been appointed as Deputy State Chairman of the NDC in the FCT, disclosed that the structure of the SDP in the territory had effectively been merged into the NDC.
According to him, members of the SDP are fully committed to the transition and are prepared to receive their membership cards and contribute to the growth of the party.
Similarly, Faruk Datsama, former Deputy Chairman of the Labour Party in the FCT, cited internal challenges within his former party as a key factor behind his decision to defect.
He described the NDC as the most credible alternative currently available in Nigeria’s political space, adding that its leadership offers a sense of direction that is lacking elsewhere.
The wave of defections comes at a time of heightened tension within the ADC, which has been grappling with internal crises and leadership disputes. The situation worsened following the derecognition of a faction led by David Mark, further deepening divisions within the party.
In Abuja, the ADC has also been embroiled in controversies, including the suspension of Senator Ireti Kingibe. The move was later declared invalid by the party’s National Working Committee, which cited procedural irregularities.
Political analysts believe that these internal conflicts may have contributed to the growing wave of defections, as members seek more stable and cohesive platforms.
For the NDC, the development represents a strategic gain, particularly in the FCT, where political competition is expected to intensify in the lead-up to future elections.
As the dust settles, the long-term impact of these defections will depend on how effectively the NDC can integrate its new members and translate this momentum into electoral success. However, for now, the party appears to be consolidating its position as an emerging force within Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
