Dickson Set to Leave PDP for Newly Registered NDC

Senator Seriake Dickson, a former governor of Bayelsa State and serving lawmaker, is reportedly preparing to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the newly registered Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), a development that could reshape political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Reports indicate that Dickson has concluded arrangements to join the new political platform following its recent registration and certification by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Political observers believe the anticipated move could alter the political landscape, particularly in the South-South region, and may trigger a wave of defections by other politicians searching for alternative platforms ahead of the next electoral cycle.

The senator had earlier hinted at the impending announcement in a message posted on his social media pages.

“Major announcement is coming. Tomorrow, Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., I will be making an important statement at a press conference addressing the future of our people and our democracy. Stay tuned. Be ready. Be part of the moment,” he wrote.

The press conference scheduled for Thursday afternoon is expected to clarify his political future and outline reasons for his possible departure from the PDP, a party he has been associated with for several decades.

Dickson’s planned move comes shortly after the Nigeria Democratic Congress received its certificate of registration from INEC, ending a prolonged legal battle that began in 2017 when the group first applied for recognition as a political party.

The party’s Protem National Legal Adviser, Reuben Egwuaba, who received the certificate on behalf of the NDC, described the development as a victory for democracy.

According to Egwuaba, the electoral body initially declined to register the party on the grounds that its logo resembled that of the All Progressives Congress (APC). However, a court later ruled that the NDC’s logo was distinct and ordered INEC to register the party.

Egwuaba commended the judiciary for upholding justice and also praised the current leadership of the electoral body for complying with the court order.

“With the presentation of this certificate, NDC joins the registered political parties in the contest for democratic leadership and power in ways that would make Nigerians at home and in the diaspora proud,” he said.

He added that the party aims to position itself as an alternative platform for Nigerians dissatisfied with both the ruling party and the existing opposition.