National leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, has called on members and recent defectors to remain dedicated to strengthening the party’s structures across the country, stressing that the NDC is focused on building an ideological and long-term political movement.
Dickson made the appeal on Thursday in Abuja while addressing party stakeholders, political leaders, and newly admitted members from Edo and Gombe states during a formal reception ceremony held to welcome fresh entrants into the party.
Among those who officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the NDC were the Minority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, Charity Aiguobarueghian, who represents Ovia North East I Constituency, and Natasha Osawaru Idibia, the lawmaker representing Egor Constituency and wife of music icon 2Baba.
Also received into the party were House of Representatives aspirant for Oredo Federal Constituency, Dr. Donald Eboigbe, and former Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Dr. John Yoriyo.
Welcoming the defectors, Dickson described their decision to join the NDC as a major boost to the party’s growing national profile, noting that more prominent political stakeholders across the country are increasingly identifying with the platform.
The former Bayelsa State governor explained that the party’s National Chairman and members of the National Working Committee could not attend the event because they were fully engaged in preparations for the party’s upcoming national convention scheduled for Saturday.
He maintained that the NDC is being built on the principles of ideology, discipline, and internal democracy, urging all members to strictly operate within the party’s constitutional framework and established structures at every level.
According to him, the party remains open to Nigerians who share its vision of good governance, national unity, and inclusive development.
“The party remains open to all Nigerians who share its vision of good governance, national unity, and inclusive development. It is focused on women and youth participation,” Dickson stated.
He further warned against allowing personal ambition to overshadow collective party interests, stressing that political parties must be nurtured as institutions if they are to remain relevant and effective over time.
The event also featured the presentation of membership cards to the new entrants, with Dickson encouraging them to actively work with party structures in their various states and contribute to the party’s growth ahead of future political activities.
Former House of Representatives member, Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma, also addressed the gathering, expressing optimism that the NDC would reshape Nigeria’s political landscape and offer a credible alternative platform for addressing the country’s social and economic challenges.
Agbonayinma said the increasing support for the party across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones reflects a growing desire among Nigerians for a fresh political direction.
Speaking on behalf of the Edo defectors, Charity Aiguobarueghian described their decision to join the NDC as one driven by conviction and careful political assessment.
He disclosed that despite criticism and pressure during previous political consultations, he and his colleagues remained patient while observing developments across various political platforms before making their decision.
Aiguobarueghian added that his legal background and understanding of electoral matters played a key role in helping him assess political trends and identify what he described as the right direction.
He also reflected on past political encounters involving senior leaders, revealing that he was once told by a political mentor that Dickson represented “the direction of Nigeria,” a statement he said influenced his political outlook.
Activist and political figure Aisha Yesufu also spoke at the event, describing the movement as a defining moment in Nigeria’s political evolution.
She urged Nigerians to remain actively engaged in shaping the country’s future, insisting that citizens collectively hold the power to determine the nation’s destiny.
According to Yesufu, recent political developments indicate that a significant shift is taking place in Nigeria’s political space.
She praised the movement’s leadership for remaining outspoken and committed, stressing that silence and complacency cannot drive national progress.
Yesufu expressed hope that Nigeria would eventually become a country where merit, rather than political connections, determines opportunity.
She said the ultimate goal is to build a nation where “the child of nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody.”
What You Should Know
Senator Seriake Dickson has urged members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress to focus on strengthening party structures as the opposition platform continues to attract prominent defectors from other parties.
The event in Abuja saw notable political figures from Edo and Gombe formally join the NDC, reinforcing its growing national relevance. Dickson stressed discipline, ideology, and internal democracy as the foundation of the party’s future.
The development reflects increasing political realignments ahead of 2027, as opposition figures seek stronger coalitions.
Aisha Yesufu and other stakeholders described the movement as a significant political shift aimed at building an inclusive Nigeria rooted in meritocracy and national progress.
