Before Obi, Kwankwaso Defection: Dickson Defended NDC Registration, Dismissed Ardo’s Criticism as “Misguided Propaganda”
Editor’s Note: The following statement by former Bayelsa State Governor and National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, was originally issued last month before the recent defection of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and former NNPP presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to the NDC. PRNigeria is republishing the statement for the record amid renewed public interest in the party’s registration and leadership structure.
Former Bayelsa State Governor and National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, had defended the registration of the party by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), dismissing criticisms by political activist and former presidential aspirant, Dr. Umar Ardo, as “misguided and sponsored propaganda.”
In the detailed response issued at the time, Dickson said the NDC’s registration followed a lawful judicial process after years of engagement with INEC, stressing that there was no legal controversy surrounding the party’s status.
Dickson expressed surprise at what he described as sustained attacks by Ardo against the NDC, despite their longstanding political relationship.
“I wish to address the misguided and sponsored propaganda against the NDC from Dr. Umar Ardo, someone I call a friend and political ally for several years,” he stated.
According to him, the process of registering the NDC began in 2017, long before the emergence of newer political associations seeking registration.
He explained that the process was initially stalled when INEC suspended the registration of new political parties under the leadership of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.
Dickson disclosed that after INEC later lifted the embargo, the NDC revived its application and was subsequently listed among the 171 political associations seeking registration.
However, he said the commission later declined the application on the grounds that the party’s proposed logo — a two-finger sign — resembled the broom symbol of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He noted that despite attempts to resolve the issue, including an offer to change the logo, INEC maintained its position, prompting the party to seek judicial intervention.
“We went to court over this unlawful exclusion and the court enforced our rights to freedom of association, deemed us registered and directed INEC to register us,” Dickson stated.
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He added that INEC complied with the judgment by officially registering the NDC and issuing the party with a certificate of registration.
The former governor also revealed that the commission did not appeal the judgment within the legally prescribed timeframe, insisting that no individual or group other than INEC had the legal standing to challenge the registration.
“INEC did not and has not appealed this judgment. The period for appeal has elapsed and there is nothing left to challenge,” he said.
Dickson further disclosed that following the issuance of the certificate, the NDC fulfilled all statutory obligations, including notifying INEC ahead of its National Executive Committee meeting, which the commission reportedly monitored.
He accused Ardo of directing frustration arising from the alleged refusal of INEC to register the Advanced Democratic Alliance (ADA) toward the NDC.
According to him, he had advised Ardo to approach the courts, as the NDC had done successfully.
“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,” he said.
Dickson also pointed out that the NDC was not the only party registered through a court order, citing the example of the National Democratic Party (NDP), which he said similarly secured registration after legal action against INEC.
The former senator described the NDC as an ideological platform committed to a “new brand of politics of ideas and service,” adding that the party was open to Nigerians seeking an alternative political direction ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Our party is available for all Nigerians who are helpless and desirous of change. The NDC is also available to politicians who are stranded as a result of current political developments and need a clean platform free from crisis,” he said.
Dickson claimed that the party was already witnessing growing acceptance nationwide and among Nigerians in the diaspora, attributing criticisms against the party to fears over its rising popularity.
“They are shocked at the giant strides the NDC has taken in less than two months against their expectation that it would be another mushroom party,” he stated.
He urged supporters to continue registering and mobilising for the party, insisting that “no force can stop an idea whose time has come.”
The NDC leader concluded by reaffirming confidence in the party’s future, declaring: “The NDC has come to stay and will mobilise all across Nigeria.”
By PRNigeria
