The founder and national leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, has said the party is ready to welcome politicians looking for a new platform amid ongoing political developments in the country.
The NDC was registered as a political party by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in February.
On March 5, the former Bayelsa governor announced his move to the NDC during a press conference in Abuja.
On March 15, the party launched a digital platform for membership registration.
Dickson, who represents Bayelsa West in the senate, said the party is open to Nigerians in search of a credible political alternative.
“Our party is available for all Nigerians who are now helpless and desirous of a change,” he said.
He added that the platform is also open to politicians affected by recent political shifts.
“The NDC is also available to all politicians who are stranded as a result of the political developments in the country, who need a platform that is clean and unencumbered with any political crisis,” he said.
Dickson described the party as a fresh approach to politics, noting that its emergence has unsettled some political actors.
“The NDC is an ideological party and stands for a new brand of politics of ideas and service,” he said.
“For those who are purveyors of the false news, propaganda and their sponsors, I have bad news for them, they have not seen anything yet! The NDC has come to stay, and will mobilise all across Nigeria.”
He urged Nigerians to support the movement, saying its momentum is unstoppable.
“I commend Nigerians at home and in the diaspora for their confidence in the NDC,” he said.
“While some may feel threatened by our momentum, they should be reminded that no force can stop an idea whose time has come.”
“As Mahatma Gandhi famously said: ‘First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, and then you win.’ The NDC will win!”
His remarks follow the de-recognition of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership by the electoral umpire due to ongoing litigation.
Dickson also reacted to criticism from Umar Ardo, which he described as “misguided and sponsored propaganda.”
He expressed surprise at Ardo’s comments, given their long-standing relationship.
Dickson said the party resumed its registration process after INEC lifted the embargo on party registration last year, noting that Ardo was aware of the developments.
“Dr. Ardo is aware of all of this because, being a friend, we spoke, where he explained his frustrations stemming from INEC’s refusal to register the ADA,” he said.
He added that he had advised Ardo to seek legal redress, stressing that the NDC has no link to the legal issues involving ADA.
“I am aware of the challenges he has in court as a result of disputes between him and his fellow promoters of the ADA and the NDC has nothing to do with this and, therefore, cannot bear any responsibilities for his disappointment and frustration,” he said.