The Senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, has confirmed his decision to quit the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and align himself with the newly registered Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
The former governor of Bayelsa State made the announcement on Thursday while addressing journalists during a media briefing held in Abuja.
Dickson explained that his departure from the PDP followed what he described as deep and unresolved disagreements within the party, which he said made it difficult for him to remain.
According to him, the newly formed NDC, recently recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), is positioned to emerge as a credible opposition platform capable of offering Nigerians a viable political alternative. He encouraged citizens across the country to support and formally register with the new party in pursuit of national progress.
“Last week INEC issued a certificate of registration and we now have the newest party in Nigeria known as the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and our symbol is victory, the victory sign. So, my dear Nigerians, you now have a credible alternative opposition party known as the Nigeria Democratic Congress.
“Yes, it is coming at this time, we would have wished it started some years or months back, we don’t control INEC and their processes, they delayed, we don’t also control the judiciary, but thank God it has finally arrived,” Dickson said.
While reflecting on his political history, the lawmaker described himself as someone deeply rooted in opposition politics. He recalled that his political career began through involvement in various opposition movements and parties over the years. Dickson stressed that the country’s political structure and diversity make the idea of a one-party system unrealistic.
“This nation cannot be a one-party state, Nigeria cannot be a one-party state, Nigeria is not designed to be a one-party state. We are a very diverse nation culturally, religiously and politically and that is the beauty of our country.
“So, anyone or any party promoting one-party rule, a one-party state in Nigeria, we build political parties, we get involved in movements to access power for the good of the people, not for our goods and benefits,” he said.
The development follows a recent announcement by the Independent National Electoral Commissionconfirming the registration of two additional political parties in the country.
The newly approved parties include the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), bringing the total number of officially registered political parties in Nigeria to 21.
The announcement was made by the INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, during the commission’s first quarterly consultative meeting with political party stakeholders for the year 2026. The gathering marked the first engagement with political party leaders since Amupitan assumed office in October 2025.
According to the INEC chairman, the Democratic Leadership Alliance successfully completed the commission’s verification requirements, while the Nigeria Democratic Congress secured its registration following the implementation of an order issued by the Federal High Court of Nigeria.
What you should know
Seriake Dickson is a former governor of Bayelsa State and currently represents Bayelsa West in the Senate. Known for his strong presence in opposition politics, he has remained vocal about the importance of maintaining a competitive multiparty system in Nigeria’s democracy.
His exit from the PDP to join the newly registered Nigeria Democratic Congress signals ongoing shifts within the country’s political landscape as parties begin to realign ahead of future elections.
The registration of new political parties by INEC also indicates growing political activity and renewed attempts by opposition figures to create alternative platforms capable of challenging dominant parties.
