Why I Rejected APC — Dickson

National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, has revealed that he refused to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) to prevent Nigeria from devolving into a one-party state.

Dickson made this known in Abuja on Thursday during a ceremony where the management of LEADERSHIP Newspaper, led by Vice Chairman Mike Okpere, formally presented him with the notification for the newspaper’s 2026 Politician of the Year award.

The former Bayelsa State governor noted that his decision came on the heels of what he viewed as the collapse of his former political home, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He explained that instead of cross-carpeting to the governing APC, he chose to assist in founding the NDC to serve as an alternative political outlet and preserve multiparty democracy.

“I did not believe Nigeria should become a one-party state,” Dickson said.

He recalled that the choice to form a new party was made during a period when few believed a fresh political movement could gain traction across the country.

However, Dickson asserted that the NDC has since matured into a powerful opposition force.

“Months down the line, we have built a formidable party and a major opposition platform in Nigeria,” he said.

He extended gratitude to the Nigerian public, along with the executives, members, and loyalists of the NDC, for believing in the political initiative.

Dickson equally praised the roles played by the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, in shaping the growth of the NDC.

Looking ahead, the NDC chieftain advised party faithful to put behind them any lingering grievances from the primary nominations and direct their energy toward the 2027 general polls.

He emphasized that the party must concentrate on rallying public support for its flagbearers and challenging the ruling APC via democratic avenues.

Furthermore, Dickson appealed to President Bola Tinubu and security apparatuses to guarantee a safe and neutral atmosphere for all political movements and candidates to canvas for votes without hindrance.

He urged political stakeholders to uphold the dignity of the judiciary and resolve all election-related conflicts through constitutional means.

Dickson dedicated the LEADERSHIP award to members of the NDC and everyday Nigerians who continue to back the party’s drive to reinforce the nation’s democratic architecture.