Dickson Rejects Alleged Government Interference in Political Parties’ Affairs 

·         Receives ADC, SDP, LP defectors into NDC

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

A former Bayelsa State Governor and senator, Seriake Dickson, has sounded a strong warning against alleged state interference in opposition politics, as he received a wave of high-profile defectors into the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

At a ceremony in, Abuja, some members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and Labour Party (LP) formally joined the NDC.

Leading the defection was Amanda Pam, a former ADC senatorial aspirant.

She was joined by Farouk Dantsama, a former Deputy State Chairman of the Labour Party, and a former SDP FCT Chairman, Hon. Nurudeen Bisalla, among other grassroots leaders.

Dickson, the National Leader of the NDC, disclosed that the entire FCT structure of the SDP had now been fully integrated into the NDC, covering executives from the state to ward levels, and described the development as part of a broader nationwide political shift.

“What is happening in the FCT reflects a wider national movement. This is not regional; it is a countrywide realignment,” he said, adding that the party remains open to Nigerians seeking an alternative political platform.

Amid the defections, the former governor raised concerns over developments within the opposition space, particularly the lingering crisis in the ADC, warning that even the perception of interference by state institutions could undermine public confidence in democracy.

His remarks followed the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove the names of a factional ADC leadership led by David Mark from its portal and suspend further engagement with all factions pending the determination of a suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

INEC, through its National Commissioner, Mohammed Haruna, said the move was necessary to avoid prejudicing ongoing judicial proceedings.

However, Dickson cautioned that such actions, real or perceived, could erode trust in democratic institutions.

“A threat to one opposition party is a threat to all. We must stand united to defend Nigeria’s multi-party democracy,” he said.

He stressed that political parties must be allowed to resolve internal disputes without external interference, noting that government institutions have no role in managing party affairs.

“If there are issues within a party, it is not the duty of government to intervene. Parties should be allowed to manage their own processes,” he added.

The former governor further urged INEC to maintain not only strict neutrality but also the appearance of impartiality, warning that any perception of bias, inducement, or manipulation could trigger a wider crisis of confidence.

“INEC must not only be impartial. it must be seen to be impartial. Its credibility depends on both action and perception,” he stated.

Providing insight into the NDC’s internal processes, Dickson revealed that the party recently held its maiden National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting under INEC’s observation without any objections from the commission.

He noted that the party had earlier taken INEC to court over registration issues and secured compliance with the court’s judgment.

According to him, key resolutions, including timelines for congresses, were reached at the NEC meeting, with details to be unveiled by the party’s National Secretary and National Working Committee.

Dickson clarified that as National Leader, he does not handle the day-to-day administration of the party, leaving such responsibilities to its constitutionally recognised organs.

On the broader state of the nation’s democracy, he warned against any drift toward a one-party system, stressing that Nigeria’s political evolution has been anchored on tolerance and respect for opposition.

He recalled that past administrations under Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, and Goodluck Jonathan upheld multi-party democracy and created space for opposition parties to thrive.

“Leadership is not about exercising power without restraint; it is about deploying authority in a manner that protects constitutional democracy and serves the public good,” he said.

He also called on the judiciary and security agencies to remain neutral and allow political actors to operate within the bounds of the law.

Dickson encouraged opposition parties to explore lawful collaboration, citing historical alliances such as that between the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and the All Peoples Party (APP) during the 1998 transition.