Dickson defects from PDP to NDC

The lawmaker representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Seriake Dickson, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the newly registered Nigeria Democratic Congress.

Dickson announced his decision on Thursday during a world press conference held at his residence in Abuja, stating that the opposition party that once dominated Nigeria’s political landscape had deteriorated significantly.

The former governor of Bayelsa State expressed sadness over what he described as the declining state of the PDP, noting that the party, which once inspired hope and excitement among his supporters, had become gravely weakened.

“The PDP is sick and presently in the ICU,” he said.

Dickson also accused some PDP governors of undermining the party by aligning with the ruling All Progressives Congress, a development he said had deepened the party’s internal crisis and weakened its role as a credible opposition platform.

According to him, the situation compelled him to chart a new political direction by joining the Nigeria Democratic Congress, a newly registered party approved by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Explaining his decision, Dickson said it had become necessary for him to move forward with his political career on a platform that aligns with his current political aspirations.

Shortly after his announcement, he was formally welcomed into the party by its leadership.

He was presented with the official flag of the NDC and issued a membership card bearing the number “001,” symbolising his status as one of the pioneering members of the party.

Dickson served as governor of Bayelsa State from 2012 to 2020 before he was elected to the Senate in 2023 under the platform of the PDP.

His defection comes amid growing concerns about internal divisions within the PDP and a wave of defections by party members to other political platforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.