Senator Seriake Dickson, founder and national leader of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has addressed criticisms from long-time associate, Dr. Umar Ardo, describing the attacks as “misguided and sponsored propaganda” against the party.
Senator Dickson while expressing surprise at the sustained criticism from someone he considered both a friend and political ally for several years, explained that the process to register the NDC began in 2017, long before Dr. Ardo had contemplated forming a political party.
According to the former Bayelsa State Governor, “The application commenced in 2017 when Dr. Ardo wasn’t even dreaming of registering a political party.
”The process stalled because INEC under Dr. Mahmud Yakubu halted the registration of political parties,” he said.
Following the lifting of the embargo on political party registration last year, the NDC reviewed its application and was initially listed among 171 political associations.
However, INEC declined the registration, claiming the NDC logo, a two-finger sign, was similar to the APC broom.
“This was shocking to us and we wrote back to INEC to restate that the logos were in no way similar.
”INEC persisted and even refused us the opportunity to change the logo upon our offer to do so,” Dickson recalled.
He added that the party subsequently sought legal redress, and the court enforced its rights to freedom of association, directing INEC to register the NDC.
“We thank Professor Amupitan SAN, INEC, and the judiciary.
He further said, ”INEC announced the NDC as one of the political parties in the country and issued a certificate of registration,” he said, stressing that the judgment has been enforced and the period for appeal has elapsed.
“INEC has not appealed. No one except INEC has the locus standi to appeal the judgment,” he added.
Dickson also confirmed that the party held its first National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, validating officers and scheduling congresses and primaries.
He stated that Dr. Ardo was aware of these developments, having personally discussed them with Dickson, but instead launched criticisms arising from frustrations over his own party, the ADA.
“I am aware of the challenges he has in court as a result of disputes between him and his fellow promoters of the ADA, and the NDC has nothing to do with this and therefore cannot bear any responsibility for his disappointment and frustration,” Dickson said.
The Senator emphasised that other parties have also secured registration via court orders, citing the recent registration of the NDP, and questioned why Dr. Ardo remained silent on such cases.
“It is curious that Dr. Ardo said nothing about the NDP or other registered political parties,” he noted.
Dickson highlighted the NDC’s rapid growth and nationwide appeal.
“We are happy with the NDC’s registration and its formal presentation. Nigerians from all over the country and in the diaspora are registering massively, and the party is gaining momentum with officers working hard promoting it,” he said.
He also addressed the broader political implications of Dr. Ardo’s criticisms: “Considering our friendship, if ADA had been registered and NDC were not, I would have felt safe in calling Dr. Ardo’s party my own party and worked to build it with my allies.
His words: “Dr. Ardo’s activities are inimical to the endangered opposition political ecosystem we are working hard to strengthen.”
Reiterating the party’s ideological commitment, Dickson said, “The NDC is an ideological party and stands for a new brand of politics of ideas and service.
”Our party is available for all Nigerians who are now helpless and desirous of a change.”
He warned purveyors of false information, asserting, “Those who do not align with our vision are free to support any party or candidate of their choice.
”However, the spread of falsehoods and sponsored misinformation is unacceptable.
”The NDC will win! Keep registering, keep supporting, and keep praying for the NDC,” added Dickson.
