Dickson Describes NDC as Long-Term Political Movement, Calls for Strong Party Structures

The Former Bayelsa State Governor and leader of the NDC, Seriake Dickson, has urged members and new entrants into the party to remain dedicated to strengthening its structures across the country, stating that the party is focused on building an ideological and long-term political movement.

Dickson made the appeal while speaking to stakeholders, political leaders, and new members, including representatives from the Edo State House of Assembly, Natasha Idibia, Charity Aiguobarueghian, and former Deputy Governor of Gombe State, John Lazarus Yoreyo, during a reception where several individuals formally joined the party.
He praised the new members for identifying with the NDC, describing their participation as an encouragement to the party’s expanding national presence. He added that more senior political figures and stakeholders are aligning with the platform across the country.
The former governor explained that the party’s National Chairman and members of the National Working Committee could not attend the event because they were engaged in preparations for the party’s national convention scheduled for Saturday.
Dickson stated that the NDC is founded on ideology, discipline, and internal democracy, while urging members to operate strictly within the party’s constitutional provisions and structures at all levels.
He further noted that the party remains open to Nigerians who believe in its vision of good governance, national unity, and inclusive development, adding that the platform places strong emphasis on the participation of women and youths.
He also cautioned against allowing personal ambition and disorganisation to override party interest, stressing that political parties are institutions that must be properly nurtured and sustained to remain relevant over time.
The event featured the presentation of membership cards to the new entrants, as Dickson encouraged them to work closely with party structures in their respective states and contribute to strengthening the platform ahead of future political activities.
Former member of the House of Representatives, Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma, expressed confidence that the platform would reshape Nigeria’s political landscape and provide what he described as a new direction for the country.
According to him, the movement is gaining momentum nationwide, with increasing participation from Nigerians across the six geopolitical zones.
Agbonayinma said the growing support reflects the search for an alternative political platform capable of addressing Nigeria’s economic and social challenges.
Speaking at the event, political stakeholder Aisha Yesufu said the current political movement represents a major turning point for Nigeria and urged citizens to remain actively involved in shaping the nation’s future.
She stated that Nigerians must understand that the destiny of the country lies in their collective hands, adding that recent political developments indicate that “something is happening” in the country that cannot be ignored.
Yesufu expressed optimism that Nigeria would eventually become a society where opportunities are based on merit rather than connections, saying the aim is to build a country where “the child of nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody.”
Responding on behalf of the new entrants from the Edo State House of Assembly, the Minority Leader, Charity Aiguobarueghian, said their decision to align with the movement was based on collective conviction and commitment to what they believe is the right political direction for Nigeria.
He noted that they experienced criticism and pressure during earlier political discussions and transitions.
Aiguobarueghian explained that at a time when uncertainty surrounded major political platforms, including internal challenges within existing parties, he and others explored alternative political options while consulting widely on the future of their political engagement.
According to him, patience and careful reflection guided their decisions, as they waited for clarity while observing developments within the political system and party structures.