National leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, has explained why he rejected the option of joining the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The former Bayelsa State governor said he declined to join the ruling party because he did not want Nigeria to become a one-party state.
Dickson spoke in Abuja on Thursday while reflecting on the political developments that led to the formation of the NDC.
He said the decision followed what he described as the decline of his former party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Rather than move to the APC, Dickson said he and his associates decided to establish a new political platform that could provide an alternative to Nigerians.
“I did not believe Nigeria should become a one-party state,” Dickson said.
He said the decision to establish the NDC was taken at a time when there were doubts about whether a new political platform could become a significant force in the country.
According to him, the party has since expanded its structure and emerged as an opposition platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Months down the line, we have built a formidable party and a major opposition platform in Nigeria,” he said.
Dickson also called for unity among members of the party, urging them to resolve disagreements arising from the nomination process and focus on the 2027 elections.
He said political parties should be allowed to operate freely and urged security agencies to ensure that politicians can campaign without intimidation.
The former governor also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission and other stakeholders to work towards free, fair and credible elections.
He urged politicians to respect the judiciary when electoral disputes arise and said political differences should ultimately be resolved through the electoral process.
