Dickson defends NDC’s legitimacy, denies APC links
National Leader of the newly formed Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Henry Seriake Dickson, on Monday defended the legitimacy and independence of the party, dismissing allegations that it is a proxy
National Leader of the newly formed Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Henry Seriake Dickson, on Monday defended the legitimacy and independence of the party, dismissing allegations that it is a proxy of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and clarifying that there is no legal dispute surrounding its registration.
Speaking during a live appearance on Focus Nigeria on Africa Independent Television (AIT), the former Bayelsa State governor said the party’s registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) followed due process and complied with a court order. He insisted that there is no litigation against the NDC, adding that INEC has already implemented the court directive and cannot reverse it.
Dickson rejected claims that either INEC or the APC was planning to challenge the party in court, describing such assertions as baseless.
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He also pushed back against suggestions that the NDC was established to weaken opposition forces or advance the interests of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. According to him, he is not swayed by “propaganda and blackmail,” stressing that his record in the Senate reflects consistent opposition to the current administration.
The senator described the NDC as an ideological platform designed to bring together Nigerians who share democratic values. He noted that while the party remains open to engagement with other political groups, it is not aligned with any existing platform.
Emphasising the constitutional right to political association, Dickson said no individual should be coerced into joining or forming a political party.
Addressing calls for alignment with other opposition platforms such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Labour Party Nigeria, he maintained that Nigerians must be free to make independent political choices.
He said, “Democracy means you have the right and the freedom to be in the ADC, to be in the APC… to be in the Labour Party… and… thousands of Nigerians… also have a right to be in the NDC,” adding that “we have no duty or obligation to belong to the ADC or to be available to support any presidential aspirant that people support.”
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He also alleged that some individuals who publicly identify as members of the opposition are in fact aligned with the current administration, stating that “most of the people who say they are opposition… are the people in bed with the present administration,” while maintaining that he has remained consistent in his political stance over the years.
Referencing his political history, Dickson reiterated his willingness to always speak out on national issues. He framed the criticism facing the NDC as part of a broader pattern experienced by emerging political movements, citing Mahatma Gandhi: “First they will ignore you, then they will laugh at you, then they will attack you… and when that happens, then you win.”
The interview came amid shifting alliances and heightened political activity ahead of future elections, as new and existing parties seek to redefine their positions within Nigeria’s democratic landscape, with Dickson maintaining that the NDC will continue to expand its base and offer Nigerians an alternative political platform.
Rather than dissolve into ADC, APC or any other party, the Senator who represents Bayelsa West Senatorial District in the 10th Senate said the NDC is joining the fray to run against, and defeat, these supposedly big parties. “The NDC will field candidates for all positions in the next general elections, from the Presidency all the way down to the state houses of assembly, and even the council polls”, he said.
