By Our Reporter
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – Former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Seriake Dickson has strongly rebutted allegations and criticism directed at the National Democratic Coalition (NDC), accusing Umar Ardo of engaging in “misguided and sponsored propaganda” against the party.
In a detailed statement released on his X handle on Monday, Dickson, who identified himself as the founder and national leader of the NDC, expressed disappointment at Ardo’s persistent attacks, describing them as both shocking and a breach of longstanding friendship and political alliance.
Providing a timeline of events, Dickson explained that the NDC’s registration process began as far back as 2017, well before Ardo’s own political ambitions to float a party. He noted that the process was stalled when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), under the leadership of Mahmood Yakubu, suspended the registration of new political parties.
According to him, the process was revived after INEC lifted the embargo last year, with the NDC listed among 171 political associations awaiting further screening. However, the commission later declined the party’s application, citing similarities between its proposed two-finger logo and that of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Dickson described the decision as “shocking,” stating that the party formally challenged INEC’s position and even offered to change the logo, an option he said the commission refused to consider. This, he added, prompted the NDC to seek legal redress.
“The court upheld our constitutional right to freedom of association, declared us duly registered, and directed INEC to formalize our registration,” Dickson said, noting that the commission complied with the ruling and issued the party a certificate of registration.
He further emphasized that INEC did not appeal the judgment within the legally stipulated period, making the ruling final and binding. “No other individual or group has the legal standing to challenge the judgment,” he asserted.
Dickson also revealed that following the registration, the party fulfilled all procedural requirements, including issuing the mandatory 21-day notice to INEC ahead of its inaugural National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, which was monitored by officials of the electoral body.
Addressing his relationship with Ardo, Dickson said both men had previously discussed the challenges of party registration, including INEC’s refusal to register Ardo’s proposed party, ADA. He disclosed that he had advised Ardo to pursue legal action—a step Ardo reportedly took but is now facing complications due to internal disputes among promoters.
“The NDC has no role in his challenges and cannot be held responsible for his frustrations,” Dickson stated.
He also pointed out that the NDC is not the only political party registered through a court order, citing the recent registration of the National Democratic Party (NDP) under similar circumstances, an issue he noted Ardo failed to mention in his criticisms.
Despite the controversy, Dickson expressed optimism about the party’s future, revealing that the NDC is witnessing growing support across Nigeria and among the diaspora. He added that prominent politicians from various parties are already aligning with the movement as it prepares for upcoming congresses and primaries.
The development underscores rising tensions within Nigeria’s evolving political landscape, as new parties emerge and established alliances are tested ahead of future electoral contests.
