Dickson Defends NDC Registration, Dismisses Ardo’s Claim As Propaganda

The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, has responded to allegations by a chieftain of the All Democratic Alliance, Umar Ardo, describing them as “misguided and sponsored propaganda.”

LEADERSHIP had reported that Ardo, in a recent interview with Trust TV, claimed that the NDC’s registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did not follow due process.

Ardo also alleged that the NDC’s registration timeline was inconsistent and that the process appeared irregular compared to other political groups that applied for registration.

Reacting in a statement issued via his official X handle on Monday, Dickson expressed disappointment in Ardo, whom he described as a long-time friend and political ally.

He accused him of persistently attacking the NDC despite being aware of the facts surrounding its formation and registration.

The senator clarified that the NDC’s registration process began in 2017, long before Ardo initiated efforts to form a political party.

He explained that the process was stalled when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), under its chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, suspended the registration of new political parties.

According to Dickson, the process resumed last year after INEC lifted the embargo, and the NDC was listed among 171 political associations awaiting further screening.

However, the application was later declined on the grounds that the party’s proposed logo—a two-finger sign—resembled that of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He described the decision as unjust, noting that the party challenged INEC’s position and even offered to change the logo but was denied the opportunity.

This development, he said, prompted the NDC to seek legal redress.

Dickson stated that the court ruled in favour of the party, affirming its right to freedom of association and ordering INEC to register it.

He added that INEC complied with the judgment by officially registering the NDC and issuing its certificate of registration.

He further emphasized that INEC did not appeal the ruling within the stipulated period, making the judgment final and binding.

According to him, no other individual or group has the legal standing to challenge the decision.

The senator also disclosed that INEC monitored the party’s first National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting after the mandatory 21-day notice was given, during which party officials were confirmed and timelines for congresses and primaries were set.

Addressing Ardo’s concerns, Dickson said he had previously advised him to pursue legal action regarding his own party registration challenges.

He added that internal disputes among promoters of Ardo’s political group were unrelated to the NDC and should not be attributed to the party.

He noted that the NDC is not the only party registered through a court order, citing similar instances in which other political groups secured registration through the judiciary without opposition from INEC.

Reaffirming confidence in the party’s legitimacy, Dickson said the NDC continues to gain nationwide support, with increasing membership across Nigeria and in the diaspora.

He added that party officials are actively mobilizing while engaging with politicians from different political platforms.