Former Governor of Bayelsa State and founder of the National Democratic Coalition, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has renewed calls for stronger cooperation among opposition parties, stressing the need for unity in the face of Nigeria’s growing political and economic challenges.
Dickson on Wednesday disclosed that he recently received several political figures and stakeholders from different parts of the country who had decided to align with the NDC’s vision.
Among those received were Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Senator Mohammed Hassan from Yobe State, and High Chief Peter Ojemen, popularly known as Don P, the Okodalo of Esanland from Edo State.
According to him, the engagements focused on strengthening democratic values, promoting inclusive governance, and encouraging a more constructive style of political participation across the country.
Dickson explained that the NDC was founded on the principle of service-driven politics and was never created to weaken existing opposition parties or create divisions within opposition ranks.
“In all my interactions, I took time to clearly explain the vision and ideals of the NDC as an ideological political party driven by the mission to entrench politics of service.
”I have equally emphasised to other opposition leaders that the NDC was not established to supplant or weaken any opposition party, nor to divide the opposition, ” he said.
He further stated that the movement was conceived as a broad alternative platform capable of accommodating opposition parties and Nigerians dissatisfied with the present political climate.
“From inception, our goal has been to provide an alternative platform, an umbrella now for all opposition parties and well-meaning Nigerians, especially in the face of a strangulating and suffocating political environment,” he said.
He maintained that membership of the NDC remains open to individuals across political divides, including aggrieved members of the ruling party, noting that every Nigerian has a constitutional right to political association without intimidation or coercion.
“Our doors remain open to all members of opposition parties and even aggrieved members of the ruling party,” he added.
The party also assured intending members that they would be treated fairly and allowed to pursue their political ambitions within the framework of the party’s constitution.
Dickson cautioned supporters against launching attacks on other opposition figures, urging political actors to see themselves as members of one democratic family despite party differences.
He specifically appealed to members of the NDC, the African Democratic Congress and other opposition groups to avoid inflammatory rhetoric capable of creating unnecessary divisions.
“We must see ourselves, whether in the ADC, APM, or other genuine opposition parties, as belonging to one political family,” the statement noted.
The senator also expressed concern over what he described as intimidation, persecution, and victimisation allegedly carried out through state institutions, saying opposition parties must remain united to overcome the prevailing political atmosphere.
According to him, the country requires a collective “National Salvation Programme” to address what he termed the failures of the ruling All Progressives Congress administration since 2015.
“This is not the time for division or needless attacks. We cannot afford to undermine one another or engage in self-destructive politics,” he stated.
Dickson urged NDC leaders at zonal, state, and local government levels to warmly receive new members and ensure inclusiveness within the party structure.
He thanked Nigerians for their continued support and confidence in the party, describing public trust as the NDC’s greatest source of strength and motivation.
“May God continue to guide and bless our steps,” he said.
