Former Bayelsa State Governor and leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, has urged members and new entrants into the party to remain committed to strengthening its structures across the country, saying the party is focused on building an ideological and long-term political movement.
Dickson made the call while addressing stakeholders, political leaders and new members from Edo and Gombe states during a reception ceremony held in Abuja.
The former governor commended the new entrants for identifying with the party, describing their participation as a major boost to the NDC’s growing national spread.
According to him, more senior political figures and stakeholders across the country are aligning with the party’s platform because of its vision and direction.
Dickson explained that the National Chairman and members of the National Working Committee (NWC) were absent from the event due to preparations for the party’s national convention scheduled for Saturday.
He stressed that the NDC was being built on ideology, discipline and internal democracy, urging members to operate within established party structures and constitutional provisions.
“The party remains open to all Nigerians who share its vision of good governance, national unity and inclusive development,” he said.
Dickson also emphasised the need for women and youth participation in the political process, warning against allowing personal ambition and disorganisation to weaken party institutions.
“Political parties are institutions that must be nurtured and sustained to remain effective over time,” he stated.
The event also featured the presentation of membership cards to new entrants, with Dickson encouraging them to work closely with party structures in their respective states ahead of future political activities.
Speaking at the event, former member of the House of Representatives, Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma, expressed optimism that the NDC would reshape Nigeria’s political landscape and provide a new direction for the country.
He said the movement was gaining momentum nationwide, attracting support from Nigerians across the six geopolitical zones.
Agbonayinma described the growing support as evidence that many Nigerians were searching for an alternative political platform capable of addressing the country’s economic and social challenges.
Also speaking, activist and political stakeholder Aisha Yesufu, described the current political movement as a turning point for Nigeria.
She urged citizens to remain actively involved in shaping the country’s future, insisting that Nigerians collectively hold the destiny of the nation in their hands.
According to her, recent political developments in the country indicate that “something is happening” that cannot be ignored.
Yesufu commended the leadership of the movement for remaining vocal and resolute, stressing that silence and resignation were not options for those committed to national progress.
She expressed optimism that Nigeria would eventually become a society where opportunities are determined by merit rather than connections.
“Our goal is to build a country where the child of nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody,” she said.
Responding on behalf of the new entrants from the Edo State House of Assembly, Minority Leader Charity Aiguobarueghian said their decision to join the movement was driven by conviction and belief in a new political direction for Nigeria.
He said they endured criticism and pressure during earlier political consultations and transitions, but remained patient while observing developments within the country’s political space.
According to him, his legal background and experience in electoral matters helped shape his understanding of emerging political trends and guided his decision to align with the movement.
Aiguobarueghian also recalled past political interactions with senior political figures, noting that a mentor once described Dickson as “the direction of Nigeria,” a statement he said strengthened his respect for leadership and political vision.
