Founder of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and former Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, has condemned a recent court ruling affecting the party, describing it as illegal, politically motivated, and an attempt to undermine Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.
Dickson reacting to the court ruling, said the ruling was designed to weaken the credibility of the party and stall its rapid political rise, insisting that the NDC would challenge the decision and ultimately prevail in court.
He maintained that the order lacked legal foundation and represented an effort to shrink democratic space in the country.
“The order is illegal and will not stand. It is against multi-party democracy, anti-democratic in nature, and aimed at narrowing and shrinking the democratic space,” Dickson said.
He added that the party had already assembled a legal team to take immediate steps to set aside the ruling and restore what he described as normal political operations.
“We have assembled our team of lawyers, and they are taking the necessary steps to set the order aside and restore normalcy,” he stated.
Dickson urged party members, supporters, and candidates to remain calm and continue their political engagements, stressing that the development should be viewed as a temporary setback rather than a defeat.
“I urge all our members, supporters and candidates to remain calm and continue their normal political activities.
”This is only the first test of our commitment and resilience, and even this shall pass,” he added.
He alleged that the legal challenge against the party was instigated by individuals and groups unsettled by the NDC’s rapid growth since its formation, claiming that the party’s emergence had unsettled established political interests.
According to him, the applicant in the case lacked legal standing, arguing that it was neither a registered political party nor among groups that had applied for registration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“We know where this is coming from. It is coming from those who are shocked by the progress the NDC has made within such a short period through hard work and commitment to deepening multi-party democracy,” he said.
Despite the controversy, Dickson expressed confidence that the party would successfully overturn the ruling and emerge stronger, insisting that the challenges were part of the political journey.
“We are under attack, as I have repeatedly warned we should expect challenges such as this. But thereafter, we shall win,” he said.
He also thanked supporters across the country for what he described as growing confidence in the party’s vision, noting that continued public backing was strengthening its resolve to push for a more vibrant democratic system in Nigeria.
