Senator Seriake Dickson, the lawmaker representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District, has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the newly registered Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
During a world press conference held on Thursday at his Abuja residence, the former Bayelsa State Governor explained that the opposition party, which once held a dominant position in Nigerian politics, has seen a drastic decline in its influence and health.
Reflecting on the current state of his former party, Dickson expressed deep sorrow, noting that the PDP no longer offers the same promise it once did.
He provided a stark assessment of the party’s condition, lamenting: “The PDP is sick and presently in the ICU.”
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The Senator further criticized the internal dynamics of the party, accusing several PDP governors of weakening the organization by forming alliances with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He stated that these actions have fueled internal conflict and stripped the party of its ability to serve as a strong opposition force.
According to Dickson, these circumstances left him with no choice but to seek a new political path with the NDC, a party recently registered and approved by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In discussing his defection, Dickson noted that it was a necessary step to align his career with a platform that matches his current political goals.
Following his announcement, the NDC leadership formally received him into the party.
To mark the occasion, he was presented with the party’s official flag and a membership card identifying him as member “001,” signifying his role as one of the party’s founding figures.
Senator Dickson has been a major player in the opposition for years, serving two terms as the Governor of Bayelsa State from 2012 to 2020 before moving to the Senate in 2023.
His departure comes at a time of significant instability for the PDP, as various members have begun defecting to other parties in anticipation of the 2027 general elections.
