Seriake Dickson, NDC Cry Out As Opposition Struggles To Survive In Nigeria

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

Former Bayelsa State Governor and National Leader of the newly registered Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has lashed out at what he described as “misguided and sponsored propaganda” against his party, particularly from longtime friend and political ally, Dr. Umar Ardo of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA).

In a strongly worded statement released on Monday, Dickson defended the legitimacy of the NDC’s registration and accused critics of attempting to undermine the opposition space amid growing concerns over a dominance in Nigeria.

Dickson recounted that the NDC’s registration process began in 2017 but was stalled when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), under former Chairman Dr. Mahmood Yakubu, placed a moratorium on new party registrations. The application was revived last year after INEC lifted the embargo. The party was initially listed among 171 political associations but faced rejection over its proposed logo, the two-finger sign, which INEC claimed resembled the All Progressives Congress (APC) broom symbol.

The NDC challenged the decision in court, offering to change the logo if necessary. A Federal High Court in Lokoja ruled in its favour, upholding the right to freedom of association and directing INEC to register the party. INEC complied, issued a certificate of registration, and has not appealed the judgment. The appeal window has since closed, and only INEC had the legal standing to challenge it.

“INEC did not and has not appealed this judgement… the judgment has been enforced by INEC and there’s nothing to appeal anymore,” Dickson stated.

He revealed that shortly after receiving the certificate, the NDC issued the mandatory 21-day notice to INEC.

The commission observed the party’s first National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting two weeks ago, confirmed its officers, and set dates for congresses and primaries.

Dickson expressed disappointment at Dr. Ardo’s consistent criticism, noting their long-standing friendship and previous discussions about party registration challenges. He recalled advising Ardo to approach the court after INEC declined the ADA’s application, a path Ardo reportedly followed. Dickson distanced the NDC from Ardo’s ongoing court disputes with fellow ADA promoters, insisting the NDC bears no responsibility for them.

He pointed out that the NDC is not the only party registered via court order. INEC recently registered the National Democratic Party (NDP) under similar circumstances and complied without appeal. “It is curious that Dr. Ardo… said nothing about the NDP or other registered political parties,” Dickson remarked.

The NDC National Leader expressed optimism about the party’s rapid growth, saying Nigerians from across the country and the diaspora are registering massively. The party is receiving top politicians from various parties and positioning itself as an ideological platform focused on “a new brand of politics of ideas and service.”

Dickson warned that the propaganda against the NDC stems from shock at its “giant strides” in less than two months, contrary to expectations that it would be just another “mushroom party.” He declared: “They have not seen anything yet! The NDC has come to stay, and will mobilise all across Nigeria.”

He urged critics to stop spreading falsehoods, noting that no existing legal challenge can successfully contest the NDC’s registration since INEC has fully complied with the court order.

“While some may feel threatened by our momentum, they should be reminded that no force can stop an idea whose time has come,” Dickson said, quoting Mahatma Gandhi: “First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, and then you win.”

“The NDC will win!” he added.

Dickson invited all Nigerians, especially those “helpless and desirous of a change” and politicians left stranded by current political developments, to join the NDC, describing it as a clean, unencumbered platform. He encouraged continued registration via ndcregister.com and mobilisation efforts ahead of future elections.

The statement underscores the intense jostling within Nigeria’s opposition ranks as new parties emerge while established ones grapple with internal crises and declining influence.

The NDC’s swift registration and growing visibility have clearly unsettled so

me players in the political space.