The senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Seriake Dickson, has announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party and his decision to align with the Nigeria Democratic Congress.
Dickson, a former governor of Bayelsa State, disclosed this on Thursday while addressing journalists at a press briefing held at his residence in Abuja.
The lawmaker said his exit from the PDP was prompted by what he described as the worsening condition of the party, which he noted had once been a strong political force in the country.
He expressed concern that the party, which previously generated optimism among its supporters, had declined significantly.
According to him, “The PDP is sick and presently in the ICU.”
Dickson also alleged that some governors elected under the PDP platform had contributed to the party’s weakening by working closely with the ruling All Progressives Congress, a development he said had aggravated internal divisions and reduced the party’s effectiveness as an opposition.
He explained that the prevailing situation made it necessary for him to pursue his political ambitions on a new platform, leading to his decision to join the Nigeria Democratic Congress, a recently registered political party recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Soon after his declaration, leaders of the NDC officially received him into the party.
During the event, he was presented with the party’s flag and issued a membership card numbered “001,” indicating his role as one of the founding members.
Dickson governed Bayelsa State from 2012 to 2020 before securing election into the Senate in 2023 on the platform of the PDP.
His defection comes amid growing internal disagreements within the PDP and a series of defections by members to other political parties as preparations gradually begin for the 2027 general elections.
Details later.
