Tensions are rising within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as Senator Seriake Dickson, former Bayelsa State governor and national leader of the party, fires back at criticisms over the party’s registration, raising concerns about emerging internal rifts reminiscent of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) crisis.
The controversy stems from claims by Umar Ardo, a senior figure in the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), who told Trust TV that the NDC’s registration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) bypassed proper procedures and was irregular compared to other political parties.
Responding on his official X handle, Dickson dismissed the allegations as “misguided and sponsored propaganda,” insisting that the NDC’s registration followed all legal and constitutional requirements.
“Dr. Ardo’s consistent propaganda against the NDC, especially knowing my involvement as founder and national leader, is shocking and speaks to a lack of respect and loyalty to friendship,” Dickson said.
Dickson recounted that the party’s registration process began in 2017 but was delayed when INEC, under former Chairman Dr. Mahmood Yakubu, suspended new party registrations. After the suspension was lifted, INEC initially rejected the NDC’s proposed logo—a two-finger sign—citing its similarity to the APC broom.
“We went to court over this unlawful exclusion, and the court enforced our rights to freedom of association, deemed us registered, and directed INEC to register us,” Dickson said. He noted that INEC complied fully and issued the party a certificate of registration, with no legal challenge currently pending.
The former governor also addressed Ardo’s frustrations over his own political group, emphasizing that the NDC bears no responsibility for challenges within other parties. “The NDC has nothing to do with his challenges and cannot bear responsibility for his disappointment and frustration,” he said, pointing out that other parties have also gained registration through court orders.
On the party’s growth, Dickson said the NDC is rapidly gaining traction both in Nigeria and in the diaspora. “Nigerians from all over the country and abroad are registering massively, and the party is gaining momentum,” he said, stressing that the NDC provides a clean and unencumbered platform for citizens seeking political alternatives.
He warned against politically motivated misinformation, stating, “The spread of falsehoods and sponsored propaganda is unacceptable. There is no existing legal challenge against the NDC.”
Despite the criticisms, Dickson exuded confidence in the party’s future. “The NDC has come to stay and will mobilise all across Nigeria. Keep registering, keep supporting, and keep praying for the NDC and for Nigeria,” he said, invoking Mahatma Gandhi’s words: “First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, and then you win.”
Observers note that the situation within the NDC mirrors the recent ADC crisis, where leadership disputes and factional claims prompted protracted legal battles and the eventual derecognition of rival groups by INEC. Analysts say the development signals the potential for continued fragmentation in Nigeria’s opposition landscape if internal conflicts are not managed effectively.
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