Former Bayelsa State Governor and National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, on Wednesday received a group of defectors from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at his residence in Abuja.
The defectors, who are mostly young party members, were led by Nasir Lawal, a former Special Adviser on Youth Matters at the APC National Headquarters.
They cited growing dissatisfaction with the APC’s internal structure, alleged marginalisation of youth and women, and a shift away from the party’s founding ideals as reasons for their exit.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Lawal said many young members had become “internally displaced” within the APC, with key activities dominated by a small circle of political elites, including governors, lawmakers, and influential insiders.
He added that grassroots contributors were increasingly sidelined, while the party appeared disconnected from critical national issues like insecurity.
“Politics must reflect the interests of the masses,” Lawal stated, describing the move to the NDC as a commitment to a more inclusive and people-oriented platform.
Dickson commended the defectors for their “bold and patriotic decision,” praising the quality and capacity of Nigerian youths to provide leadership and change the governance narrative in the country.
“I am impressed with the quality and capacity of Nigerian youths. They have what it takes to offer leadership and change the narrative of governance in our country,” he said.
He assured the new members of seamless integration into the NDC, directing that they be linked with state chairmen across the country for active participation.
Dickson emphasised the party’s commitment to inclusivity, youth empowerment, affirmative action for women, and merit-based contests for elective positions.
“The NDC is a party for all Nigerians,” he added, urging the defectors to mobilise others to join the movement. He also noted that several women political leaders from different parts of the country had recently aligned with the party and been integrated into its structures.
This latest defection highlights ongoing realignments in Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly among younger politicians disillusioned with established parties, as the country prepares for future electoral cycles.
It comes amid broader conversations about internal reforms, broader participation, and issue-based politics.
The NDC has positioned itself as an independent ideological platform open to Nigerians sharing democratic values, with Dickson recently dismissing claims that it serves as a proxy for the APC.
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