Dickson Defends NDC Registration, Dismisses Ardo’s Claims as “Misguided Propaganda”

ABUJA, Nigeria— Former Bayelsa State governor Seriake Dickson has strongly defended the legitimacy of the National Democratic Coalition (NDC), rejecting allegations by Umar Ardo that the party’s registration could be nullified.

In a detailed statement, Dickson described Ardo’s criticisms as “misguided and sponsored propaganda,” expressing disappointment at what he called a breach of trust by a longtime friend and political ally.

Dickson traced the origins of the NDC to 2017, noting that the party’s registration process predated Ardo’s political activities. He said the application was initially stalled due to a halt on new party registrations by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), then led by Mahmood Yakubu.

He explained that the process resumed after INEC lifted the embargo, but the commission later rejected the NDC’s application over concerns that its proposed logo resembled that of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Despite offering to modify the logo, Dickson said INEC declined, prompting the party to seek legal redress.

A court subsequently ruled in favor of the NDC, ordering INEC to recognize and register the party. Dickson stated that the electoral body complied fully with the judgment and issued a certificate of registration, adding that no appeal was filed within the legally stipulated timeframe.

“The judgment has been implemented and there is nothing left to contest,” Dickson said, emphasizing that only INEC had the legal standing to appeal the ruling.

He further revealed that INEC officials had already monitored the party’s first National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, during which key officers were confirmed and timelines for congresses and primaries were outlined.

Addressing Ardo’s concerns, Dickson said the NDC had no involvement in the challenges facing Ardo’s political platform, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), suggesting that internal disputes may be responsible for his frustrations.

He also pointed out that the NDC was not the only party registered through a court order, citing similar developments involving other political groups that successfully challenged INEC’s decisions.

Dickson accused critics of deliberately ignoring these precedents while targeting the NDC, attributing the backlash to the party’s rapid growth and increasing national appeal.

He reaffirmed that the NDC is open to Nigerians seeking an alternative political platform, describing it as an “ideological party” focused on governance, service, and democratic values.

While acknowledging political opposition, Dickson warned against the spread of misinformation, insisting that no individual or group currently has legal grounds to challenge the party’s registration.

He concluded by urging supporters across Nigeria and in the diaspora to continue registering and mobilizing, expressing confidence in the party’s future.

“The NDC has come to stay,” he said, adding that its emergence represents a broader push to strengthen Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.