Seriake Dickson, national leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), on Thursday, September 17, explained why he rejected joining the All Progressives Congress (APC) because he did not believe Nigeria should become a one-party state.
Dickson spoke in Abuja while reflecting on the circumstances that led to the establishment of the NDC.
Dickson said the party was founded at a difficult period when few believed a new political platform could become formidable.
The former governor of Bayelsa said, following what he described as the decline of his former party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he made a principled decision not to join the APC.
“I did not believe Nigeria should become a one-party state,” he said.
Dickson said that rather than join another existing political platform, he chose to establish the NDC as an alternative for Nigerians and contribute to strengthening multiparty democracy.
“Months down the line, we have built a formidable party and a major opposition platform in Nigeria,” he said.
He thanked Nigerians, NDC leaders, officials, members and supporters for their confidence, commitment and sacrifice.
Dickson also acknowledged the partnership of Peter Obi, the NDC presidential candidate, and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, its vice-presidential candidate, in the political project.
With the party having selected its candidates for the 2027 general elections, Dickson urged NDC members to put disagreements arising from the nomination process behind them.
He called on members to focus on mobilising support for all the candidates and strengthening the NDC as an opposition platform.
Dickson said the party’s energy should be directed towards challenging the APC through democratic means rather than internal disagreements and what he described as destructive propaganda.
The NDC national leader also called on president Bola Tinubu and security agencies to ensure a peaceful and fair political environment in which all parties and candidates can campaign freely across the country.
He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other stakeholders to support the conduct of free, fair and credible elections, stressing that polls should strengthen national unity rather than endanger it.
Dickson also appealed to politicians to respect the judiciary and avoid turning every political disagreement into a court case.
He said political disputes should be resolved through the ballot in line with democratic principles.
Dickson reaffirmed his commitment to the growth of multiparty democracy in Nigeria, describing it as a sacrifice he had chosen to make.
He dedicated the award to the leadership and members of the NDC, as well as Nigerians who had believed in the party’s mission and supported its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic space.
Comments