The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), a relatively new political platform led by former Bayelsa State governor and senator, Henry Seriake Dickson, yesterday formally welcome a wave of defectors from Edo and Gombe states, including serving lawmakers and prominent political figures.
The ceremony drew political observers and supporters from different parts of the country, with many interpreting the development as another sign of deepening dissatisfaction within Nigeria’s established political parties ahead of future elections, reports Daily Independent.
Among the notable figures received into the party were a two-term former Deputy Governor of Gombe State, John Lazarus Yoriyo; the Minority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, Honourable Charity Aiguobarueghian; Hon. Natasha Idibia; and several other political actors from Edo and Gombe states.
Also present at the gathering were activist Aisha Yesufu, former Zamfara senator Kabiru Marafa, music icon Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Face, alongside other political stakeholders.
Addressing the gathering, Dickson said the formation of the NDC was driven by the need to confront what he termed the collapse of ideological politics and the growing failure of leadership across the country.
According to him, the party was conceived as a long-term political movement designed to restore internal democracy, principled leadership and national cohesion.
“This party is not a platform for transactional politics. We want to institutionalise a political movement that will outlive all of us — a party for our children and grandchildren,” Dickson stated.
The former governor lamented what he described as the gradual erosion of Nigeria’s political institutions, accusing political actors of weakening structures that ought to be strengthened for democratic stability.
“What happened to Nigeria’s political heritage? Today, we are witnessing the dismantling of political institutions by those who should preserve them,” he added.
Dickson maintained that the NDC remained open to Nigerians across political divides who shared a common vision of rebuilding the country and restoring confidence in governance.
The highpoint of the event, however, was the formal defection of Honourable Charity Aiguobarueghian and Natasha Idibia alongside other political actors from Edo State into the NDC.
Explaining his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Aiguobarueghian said the choice was painful but unavoidable in view of the prolonged instability within the opposition party.
The Edo lawmaker noted that despite his strong belief in political ideology and party loyalty, the lingering internal crisis in the PDP had weakened the party’s cohesion and future prospects.
“A captain will not remain in a sinking ship so that he will perish with it. That will not be heroism; that will be cowardice,” he said.
He further blamed prolonged internal wrangling and personal interests for what he described as the party’s declining fortunes.
Aiguobarueghian also used the opportunity to reel out some of his legislative and constituency achievements, disclosing that he facilitated the passage of 44 bills within less than two years in office.
He added that his interventions across communities in Edo State included the provision of schools, transformers and water projects.
According to him, there had also been increasing pressure from political supporters and stakeholders urging him to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives.
Speaking at the gathering, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the NDC, Honourable Abdulmumin Abdusalam, described the reception as a landmark moment for the party, stressing that the platform had continued to attract influential political figures nationwide.
“Our party is like the beautiful bride every groom wants right now,” Abdusalam said.
He disclosed that additional governors, former governors, lawmakers and political stakeholders were expected to join the party in the coming weeks as consultations intensified across the country.
Abdusalam further stated that the party’s forthcoming national convention would showcase its commitment to structure, organization and internal democracy.
The party spokesman also dismissed reports suggesting that the NDC had already reserved its presidential ticket for the South or endorsed former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
“Politics is dynamic. We have not zoned the presidency to the South. Consultations are ongoing and all scenarios are possible,” he stated.
On his part, music star 2Face Idibia called on Nigerians to become more conscious of their political choices and insist on accountability from elected leaders.
“We want to see results. Everybody should use their conscience and understanding to make the right choices,” he said.
Political analysts and observers at the event said the growing attraction toward the NDC reflected widening frustration among citizens and political actors over the state of the country’s traditional parties.
They noted that the increasing movement of politicians into emerging platforms could reshape opposition politics and alter alignments ahead of future electoral contests.
