***Expresses Solidarity with ADC, Warns INEC on Neutrality
A former Bayelsa State Governor and senator, Seriake Dickson, has received key defectors from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and Labour Party (LP) into the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), in what observers see as a growing political realignment ahead of the 2027 elections.
The high-profile defections, which took place in Guzape, Abuja, were led by Barrister Amanda Pam, a former ADC senatorial aspirant in the FCT, alongside Farouk Dantsama, a former deputy state chairman of the Labour Party.
Also joining were the former FCT chairman of the SDP and a wide network of grassroots officials.
Amid the influx, Dickson, who is the National Leader of the NDC, used the occasion to express solidarity with the ADC over its internal crisis, while cautioning against perceived interference by state institutions.
His remarks come following a decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to delete the names of a factional leadership of the ADC led by David Mark from its portal, and to suspend further engagement with all factions pending the outcome of a case before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
INEC National Commissioner, Mohammed Haruna, had said the move was to avoid actions that could prejudice ongoing judicial proceedings.
However, Dickson warned that even the perception of interference could erode public trust.
“A threat to one opposition party is a threat to all opposition parties. We must stand together to defend Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.”
He insisted that political parties must be allowed to resolve their internal disputes without external pressure.
“If there are issues in a political party, that is not the duty of government. Parties should be allowed to sort themselves out without the involvement of state institutions.”
The lawmaker further urged INEC to maintain strict neutrality.
“INEC must not only be impartial—it must be seen to be impartial. Its image must be above board, like Caesar’s wife.”
According to him, any impression of manipulation or inducement, whether real or perceived, poses a danger to democratic credibility.
“The impression of interference or control is dangerous and can create a crisis of confidence among Nigerians.”
Dickson said the wave of defections into the NDC reflects a broader national movement, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory.
“The state chairman, the FCT chairman of SDP and its entire structure—executives, local government and ward chairmen—have all come and have been integrated.”
He added that similar alignments are quietly unfolding across the country.
“What you are seeing in the FCT is happening across the country. This is not a regional movement—it is national.”
Describing the NDC as an open platform, he invited Nigerians dissatisfied with their current parties to join.
“Our doors are open to all Nigerians who are looking for a credible alternative.”
Dickson also raised concerns about the future of Nigeria’s democracy, warning against any drift toward a one-party system.
“We are against Nigeria becoming a one-party state. Our country is too large and too diverse for that. There can be no democracy without opposition.”
He stressed that Nigeria’s democratic stability depends on both a strong ruling party and a vibrant opposition.
“Nigeria needs a strong party in government and strong parties in opposition. That is how democracy survives.”
While expressing support for the ADC, Dickson urged its leadership to resolve internal disputes, noting that a stable opposition is essential for national balance.
“Nigeria needs strong opposition parties. That is the foundation of any healthy democracy.”
As political activities begin to intensify ahead of 2027, the developments highlight shifting alliances, growing concerns over institutional neutrality, and renewed debates about the future of Nigeria’s multi-party system.
