Seriake Dickson, leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, made a powerful case for multiparty politics on Saturday. Speaking at the NDC's national convention in Abuja, he warned against Nigeria drifting toward authoritarian rule.
"Multiparty democracy must survive in Nigeria," Dickson declared. He stressed that the country needs both strong ruling parties and credible opposition to keep democracy alive.
Dickson, who governed Bayelsa State before leaving office, said democracy cannot function without viable alternatives to those in power. He believes opposition parties play a crucial role in holding governments accountable.
Just months ago, many dismissed the NDC as irrelevant. Now, Dickson told the gathering, that skepticism has vanished entirely.
"They ignored the NDC. They laughed at the NDC.
But today, they can no longer ignore us," he said. His words drew cheers from party members and supporters crowding the venue.
Dickson traced the party's origins back to 2017. Concerns about the direction of the Peoples Democratic Party prompted him and others to explore starting a fresh political movement.
A court battle ensued over the party's registration. But INEC eventually approved the NDC in February after a favorable ruling.
Since then, momentum has built rapidly.
He dismissed reports of internal strife within NDC ranks. According to him, no factions exist, no litigation hangs over the party, and no disputes threaten unity.
"The NDC has come to stay. The NDC is good to go," Dickson noted.
"The NDC has no faction, no crisis and no dispute."
Ordinary Nigerians, particularly members of the Obedient Movement, deserve credit for backing the party. They resisted what he called a campaign of propaganda and intimidation aimed at damaging NDC prospects.
Political figures across Nigeria's regions have embraced the NDC's platform. Their support reflects growing appetite for the party's message of unity and democratic reform.
Nigeria's political terrain has shifted permanently, Dickson believes. No return to the old order seems possible anymore.
NDC officials plan to carry their message into every community nationwide. They want representation from ward level all the way up to state capitals.
Dickson describes his party as credible and open to all Nigerians who share its values. It's not just another electoral machine, he insists.
In a historic move, the NDC zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria. Party leaders adopted this decision to promote fairness and stability across regions.
"We want a balanced and stable Nigeria founded on justice, inclusion and equal citizenship," Dickson explained. He believes this approach reflects the party's commitment to equitable governance.
The NDC aims to function like South Africa's African National Congress, he added. It won't be a "transactional party" assembled only during election seasons for temporary gain.
Peter Obi, the Labour Party's recent presidential candidate, echoed similar concerns about Nigeria's democratic future. He recently joined the NDC to strengthen opposition politics.
Obi warned that one-party rule would undermine everything democracy stands for. He told reporters that credible elections remain essential for Nigeria's survival as a nation.
"Nigeria cannot become a one-party state. Nigeria must remain a democracy," Obi said firmly.
He pledged that 2027 elections would be free, fair and transparent under NDC leadership and allied forces.
