The National Leader of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, has defended the party’s legitimacy, saying its registration dates to 2017.
Dickson’s comments come following allegations from the convener of the League of Northern Democrats and promoter of the All Democratic Alliance, Umar Ardo, that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) unlawfully registered the NDC in violation of constitutional provisions and its own guidelines.
“For the record, the annexures show that we initiated the registration process for the NDC as far back as 2017 and that INEC granted approval at that time before the process was halted. When party registration resumed last year, we revisited and updated our earlier application. The other document shows a Google search we conducted on February 3, 2017, while searching for the appropriate ‘V-sign’ as the party’s logo,” he said.
Dickson thanked Nigerians across the country for their growing support and confidence in the NDC and its leadership.
He noted that this trust has been the most important currency driving the party from its early days up to the present, especially with the recent addition of Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
“What we are witnessing is a powerful convergence: my role as a party organiser and builder, alongside two political heavyweights with immense grassroots support, popularity and political experience, as well as several other leaders in their own right across the country, all coming together under one platform,” he stated.
The former Bayelsa State governor emphasised that the goal of the NDC is to build an ideological political party — one that can be compared to the African National Congress (ANC) in its strongest years in South Africa, as well as established political parties across Europe, America, India, and even the Communist Party of China — in terms of stability, structure, and the ability to endure beyond its founders for generations to come.
Dickson also pointed out that the NDC is a party with a special place for young people and women, stressing that it prioritises mentorship and prepares citizens for service. “It is designed to serve the people, not just the big, strong, and powerful, but also the ordinary and the vulnerable.”
Citing his experience in politics, he acknowledged that an ambitious project of this nature will attract distractions, including rumours, gossip, propaganda, and blackmail.
Dickson affirmed that he is accustomed to this terrain, urging Nigerians to disregard such propaganda about the NDC or any of its leaders and remain focused on the bigger picture.
He further called on all Nigerians to join the NDC, register, participate, and contest elections, expressing confidence that they can reclaim and rebuild Nigeria.
