Dickson Declares NDC Nigeria’s New Opposition Force, Says “Nigeria Must Never Become a One-Party State”
By Passman Akpos
Senator Seriake Dickson, National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has declared that the newly formed party is now the strongest emerging opposition force in Nigeria, warning that the country must never be allowed to slide into a one-party dictatorship.
Speaking at the party’s inaugural national convention held in Abuja on Saturday, Dickson delivered a fiery address in which he defended the formation of the NDC, celebrated its rapid rise, and positioned it as the political platform to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Quoting Mahatma Gandhi’s famous words, “First, they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they attack you, and then you win,” Dickson said the NDC had already overcome resistance and skepticism within just three months of its registration.
According to him, no political party in Nigeria’s history has enjoyed such widespread acceptance and public trust within such a short period.
He revealed that the journey to establish the party began as far back as 2017 after he became convinced that the foundations of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had been weakened and its ideals compromised.
Dickson explained that after years of setbacks, the party finally secured registration in February 2026 following a Federal High Court judgment in December 2025 that compelled the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue its certificate.
He praised the judiciary for upholding constitutional rights and commended INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan for complying with the court ruling.
The former Bayelsa governor also used the opportunity to dismiss claims that the party’s registration remains under legal threat, insisting there is no valid appeal against the judgment.
“There is no appeal against the judgment by INEC or by anyone. The judgment has been obeyed and implemented fully,” he said.
In what could significantly reshape opposition politics, Dickson announced that former Anambra governor Peter Obi and former Kano governor Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso had officially joined the NDC after weeks of consultations.
He described their entry as a major political convergence that brings together experience, national reach, and administrative competence.Dickson also acknowledged the support of the Obidient Movement and the Kwankwasiyya Movement, assuring Nigerians that the coalition would not disappoint.
He said the NDC was founded to restore democratic values, national unity, economic stability, and political inclusion, particularly for women and youths.
The senator warned against what he described as the dangerous weakening of opposition parties in Nigeria, stressing that democracy cannot survive without strong opposition voices.
“Any political system without a credible opposition is a dictatorship, and Nigeria must never become a dictatorship—civilian or otherwise,” he declared.
Taking a direct swipe at the APC government, Dickson accused the ruling party of leading Nigeria into worsening insecurity, economic hardship, poverty, and national division since 2015.
However, he clarified that APC members were not enemies, but political rivals whose direction for Nigeria he fundamentally disagreed with.
“To our brothers, friends, and colleagues in the APC, you are not our enemies. You are fellow citizens with whom we simply disagree politically,” he said.
Dickson further argued that the NDC was built as an ideological party committed to service, consensus-building, dialogue, and respect for democratic values, unlike what he described as the culture of politicians defecting without principles.
He compared his vision for the NDC to enduring global political institutions such as the African National Congress in South Africa, the Indian National Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party in India, as well as the Democratic Party and Republican Party in the United States.
Reflecting on his political career, Dickson said he had remained consistently in opposition politics since 1998, resisting repeated pressure to join the ruling party even after serving as governor of Bayelsa State and later becoming a senator.
He said his political life has been defined by service, courage, patriotism, and the willingness to stand alone when necessary.
“I am not one who is scared of standing alone or saying NO when NO is the right answer,” he stated.
Dickson concluded by urging party members to reject violence and prepare for what he described as a peaceful democratic battle that would be decided at polling units and not through intimidation or force.
He said the convention would affirm and elect the party’s protem leadership before the process of selecting presidential and other candidates begins.
“Nigeria must never be reduced to a one-party state. Through the NDC, Nigerians will continue to resist state capture, resist authoritarianism, and defend multi-party democracy,” he declared.
The speech signals the beginning of what could become one of the most significant opposition realignments ahead of the 2027 presidential race.
