Former Bayelsa State Governor and senator, Seriake Dickson, has rejected allegations questioning the legitimacy of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), describing them as baseless and politically motivated.
Dickson was responding to claims by Umar Ardo, a chieftain of the All Democratic Alliance, who alleged that the party’s registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did not follow due process.
In a statement shared via his official X handle, Dickson expressed disappointment at Ardo’s stance, especially given their long-standing relationship, and accused him of spreading misinformation.
He explained that the NDC’s registration process began as far back as 2017 but was delayed when INEC, under the leadership of Mahmood Yakubu, suspended the registration of new political parties.
According to him, when the process resumed, the commission initially rejected the party’s application over concerns that its proposed logo resembled that of the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Despite attempts to address the issue, INEC maintained its position, prompting the party to seek legal redress.
Dickson stated that the court ruled in favour of the NDC, affirming its right to exist and directing INEC to complete its registration.
He noted that the commission complied with the judgment and has not filed any appeal within the stipulated timeframe.
He further revealed that the party has since begun formal activities, including notifying INEC ahead of its National Executive Committee meeting, which the commission reportedly monitored.
While acknowledging that Ardo had faced similar challenges with his own political platform, Dickson said he had advised him to pursue legal action, but insisted that the NDC had no involvement in the issues affecting Ardo’s group.
Emphasising that other political parties have also been registered through court rulings, Dickson questioned why the NDC was being singled out for criticism.
He maintained that there is no legal dispute over the party’s status and warned against the spread of false information, adding that only INEC has the authority to challenge the court-backed registration.
Confident about the party’s prospects, Dickson said the NDC is gaining traction nationwide and remains open to Nigerians seeking a credible alternative political platform.
