- Seriake Dickson, senator representing Bayelsa West, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the newly registered Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC)
- The former Bayelsa State governor described the condition of the PDP as alarming, declaring that “the PDP is sick and presently in the ICU”
- His defection adds to growing concerns about divisions within the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections
Former Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Seriake Dickson, who currently represents Bayelsa West Senatorial District in the Senate, has announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the newly registered Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Dickson made the announcement on Thursday, March 5, during a world press conference at his residence in Abuja, explaining that his decision was driven by what he described as the worsening condition of the opposition party that once dominated Nigeria’s political scene.
The former governor of Bayelsa State expressed deep concern over the current state of the PDP, saying the party that once inspired hope among his supporters had deteriorated significantly.
“The PDP is sick and presently in the ICU,” he lamented.
Dickson further accused some PDP governors of weakening the party by collaborating with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to him, such actions have intensified internal conflicts within the party and diminished its credibility as a strong opposition force.
He explained that the situation left him with no choice but to pursue a new political direction through the Nigeria Democratic Congress, a political party recently registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
While outlining his reasons for the move, Dickson said joining the new party was necessary for the next phase of his political journey and to align with his evolving political ambitions.
After his remarks, the leadership of the NDC formally accepted him into the party. He was presented with the party’s official flag and issued a membership card numbered “001,” indicating his position as one of the founding members.
Dickson, a key figure in Nigeria’s opposition politics, served as governor of Bayelsa State from 2012 to 2020 before winning election to the Senate in 2023 under the PDP platform.
His defection comes at a time when the PDP is facing increasing internal divisions and a series of defections by members to other political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking further, Dickson said the crisis within the PDP had become so severe that it could even prevent the party from presenting candidates in future elections.
He also assured that the new party would provide a strong opposition to the ruling government, stressing that it would resist any attempt to turn Nigeria into a one-party state under President Bola Tinubu.