Dickson rejected ‘propaganda’ regarding the NDC, and said that party registration had begun in 2017

Former Bayelsa State Governor, Henry Seriake Dickson, has dismissed criticism surrounding the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), insisting that the party’s registration process is long-standing, transparent and well-documented.

In a statement shared on Monday via his X account, Dickson urged Nigerians to ignore what he described as misleading narratives about the party, and expressed confidence in the party’s growing national appeal.

According to him, the NDC is gaining momentum as a result of the strategic convergence of experienced political actors with strong grassroots influence, all seeking to build a credible national platform.

He explained that the party’s vision is about more than just electoral gains, and described it as an ideological movement designed for longevity and institutional strength.

“Our goal in the NDC is to build an ideological political party that can survive beyond its founders into future generations,” he said, adding that the party seeks to be comparable to long-standing political institutions globally in terms of structure and stability.

Dickson also highlighted the party’s commitment to inclusion, emphasizing that the party places great emphasis on youth and women’s participation, mentoring, and preparing citizens for public service.

Giving an insight into the formation of the party, he revealed that the NDC’s registration journey began in 2017, when initial approval was reportedly given by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before the process was later halted.

He explained that with the resumption of party registration activities last year, promoters reviewed and updated their previous applications to comply with current requirements.

“For the record, when party registration resumed last year, we reviewed and updated our previous application,” he said.

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Dickson added that supporting documents, including preparatory materials for 2017, are part of the party’s historical records.

Recognizing that big political projects often attract attention, he warned against distractions and urged his supporters to stay focused.

“With experience in politics, I am fully aware that an ambitious project like this will attract distractions—rumours, gossip, propaganda and even blackmail. I therefore urge Nigerians to ignore such propaganda about the NDC or its leaders,” he said.

He also called on Nigerians to actively participate in the political process through the NDC, describing the platform as open and inclusive.

“Together, let us reclaim and rebuild our country,” he added.

Expanding on his remarks, Dickson said: “I thank Nigerians across our country for their growing support and trust in us and the NDC. That trust has been the most important currency driving this party from its inception to now, especially with the recent addition of two of my esteemed colleagues.

“What we are witnessing is a powerful convergence: my role as an organizer and party builder, along with two high-profile political figures who have enormous grassroots support, popularity and political experience, as well as several other leaders across the country, all united on one platform.

“As I have consistently stated, our aim in the NDC is to build an ideological political party, comparable to the ANC in its best years in South Africa, as well as established political parties in Europe, America, India and even the Chinese Communist Party—in terms of stability, structure and ability to survive beyond its founders for generations to come.

“NDC is a party that has a special place for young people and women, which prioritizes mentoring and preparing people to provide services. NDC is designed to serve people, not only big, strong and powerful people, but also ordinary and vulnerable people. For the record, the attachment shows that we started the NDC registration process in 2017 and that INEC gave approval at that time before the process was stopped.

“When party registration resumed last year, we revisited and updated our previous application. Another document shows a Google search we conducted on February 3, 2017, while searching for an appropriate V as a party logo. With my experience in politics, I was fully aware that an ambitious project like this would attract interference—rumors, gossip, propaganda, and even blackmail.

“This is all part of the situation we are used to. I therefore urge Nigerians to ignore and ignore such propaganda about the NDC or its leaders and remain focused on the bigger picture. I call on all Nigerians to join the NDC, register, participate and contest the elections. Together, let us reclaim and rebuild our country.”