Senator Seriake Dickson, who represents Bayelsa West Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the newly registered Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), citing the deteriorating condition of the opposition party as the primary reason for his decision.
Dickson made the announcement on Thursday during a world press conference held at his residence in Abuja. Addressing journalists and political associates, the former Bayelsa State governor expressed deep concern over what he described as the steady decline of the PDP, a party he said once served as a beacon of hope for millions of Nigerians.
The senator lamented that the party, which for many years dominated Nigeria’s political landscape and played a significant role in shaping the country’s democratic process, had now reached a critical stage of internal crisis.
According to him, the PDP’s current condition can best be described as one of severe institutional weakness and political uncertainty.
“The PDP is sick and presently in the ICU,” Dickson declared, using the medical metaphor to illustrate what he considers the party’s fragile state.
He explained that his decision to leave the party was not taken lightly, noting that he had invested a large part of his political career and personal commitment in building and strengthening the PDP over the years.
Dickson, however, said recent developments within the party had made it increasingly difficult for him to remain on the platform.
One of the major issues he raised was the alleged role played by some PDP governors in weakening the party from within. According to the senator, certain influential figures within the party had been aligning themselves with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a development he said had further deepened the internal divisions within the PDP.
He argued that such actions by members of the party’s leadership had significantly undermined the PDP’s credibility as the main opposition force in Nigeria.
Dickson said the perceived collaboration between some PDP leaders and the ruling party had created confusion among party supporters and diminished the confidence of many Nigerians who once looked to the PDP as a viable alternative to the current administration.
The former governor warned that unless urgent reforms were undertaken, the PDP risked losing its relevance in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving political environment.
He further stated that the growing internal crisis had forced him to reconsider his political future and explore other platforms that align more closely with his vision for governance and democratic development.
According to Dickson, the newly registered Nigeria Democratic Congress offered him the opportunity to participate in building a fresh political movement that could address the shortcomings of existing parties and restore public confidence in the country’s democratic institutions.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress was recently approved by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as one of the newest political parties in Nigeria, and its leadership has expressed ambitions to create a strong alternative platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Dickson explained that his decision to join the party was based on his desire to contribute to the development of a political structure that promotes transparency, accountability, and national unity.
“It has become necessary for me to move forward with my political career on a platform that reflects my current political aspirations and convictions,” he said.
Following his remarks, leaders of the Nigeria Democratic Congress formally welcomed the senator into the party. In a symbolic ceremony held shortly after the press conference, Dickson was presented with the official party flag and issued a membership card.
Significantly, the membership card bore the number “001,” a designation that party officials said recognises Dickson as one of the pioneering figures in the new political movement.
The presentation was accompanied by applause from party supporters and associates who attended the event.
Dickson is widely regarded as one of the most influential political figures from the South-South region. He served as governor of Bayelsa State from 2012 to 2020, completing two consecutive terms in office.
During his tenure as governor, he was known for championing policies focused on education, institutional reforms, and governance in the oil-rich state.
After leaving office in 2020, Dickson remained active in national politics and was elected to the Senate in 2023 under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.
Since assuming office in the National Assembly, he has been vocal on issues relating to national development, constitutional governance, and democratic accountability.
His defection is expected to generate fresh political debate within Nigeria’s opposition landscape, particularly within the PDP, which has recently experienced a series of internal disputes and defections by prominent members.
Political analysts say the senator’s move could further intensify discussions about the future of the PDP as the country approaches the next electoral cycle.
In recent months, several opposition politicians have either left the PDP or openly criticised its leadership, citing unresolved internal conflicts and strategic disagreements over the direction of the party.
Dickson’s decision to align himself with the Nigeria Democratic Congress therefore reflects a broader trend of political realignment that appears to be gaining momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Observers believe the emergence of new political parties like the NDC may reshape Nigeria’s political landscape, especially if they succeed in attracting experienced political figures and building strong grassroots structures across the country.
For now, Dickson says his focus will be on contributing to the development of the new party while continuing to represent the interests of the people of Bayelsa West in the Senate.
He expressed optimism that the Nigeria Democratic Congress would grow into a formidable political force capable of offering Nigerians a credible alternative in the years ahead.
