Jane Salihu
The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Seriake Dickson, on Wednesday led a major political realignment in Abuja as prominent politicians, including serving lawmakers from the Edo State House of Assembly and a former Deputy Governor of Gombe State, formally defected to the party amid growing discontent within Nigeria’s traditional political platforms.
The event, which drew politicians, activists, entertainers and supporters from across the country, marked one of the biggest public receptions yet for the newly formed NDC, as party leaders projected it as an emerging ideological movement determined to reshape Nigeria’s political future ahead of forthcoming elections.
Among the high-profile defectors received into the party were former Deputy Governor of Gombe State, John Lazarus Yoriyo, Minority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, Charity Aiguobarueghian, and lawmaker Natasha Idibia, alongside several political actors from Edo State.
The ceremony also attracted notable figures including activist Aisha Yesufu, former Zamfara senator Kabiru Marafa, former House of Representatives member Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma, and music icon 2Baba, popularly known as 2Face Idibia.
Addressing the gathering, Dickson declared that the NDC was founded to rescue Nigeria from what he described as the collapse of ideological politics, institutional decay and leadership failure.
According to him, the movement is being deliberately built as a disciplined and enduring political institution rooted in internal democracy, national unity and inclusive governance.
“This party is not a platform for transactional politics. We are building a movement that will outlive all of us — a party for our children and grandchildren,” Dickson stated.
The former Bayelsa governor lamented what he described as the weakening of political institutions across the country, accusing selfish interests and internal crises of destroying the ideological foundations of many established parties.
“What happened to Nigeria’s political heritage? Today, we are witnessing the dismantling of political institutions by those who should preserve them,” he said.
Dickson urged both old and new members to remain committed to strengthening party structures nationwide, warning against disorganisation and personal ambition overtaking collective interests.
He stressed that political parties must be nurtured as enduring institutions capable of surviving beyond individuals and election cycles.
The NDC leader further disclosed that the party’s National Chairman and members of the National Working Committee were absent from the reception because of preparations for the party’s forthcoming national convention scheduled for Saturday.
He added that the party remains open to Nigerians across political divides who share its vision of good governance, youth inclusion, women participation and national development.
Explaining his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party, Aiguobarueghian described the move as painful but unavoidable, citing prolonged internal crises and instability within the opposition party.
“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,” the Edo lawmaker declared.
He said persistent infighting and selfish interests had weakened the PDP and eroded confidence in its future, adding that many politicians were now searching for a credible alternative platform.
Aiguobarueghian also highlighted his legislative record, noting that he facilitated the passage of 44 bills within less than two years and executed several constituency projects, including schools, transformers and water schemes across communities in Edo State.
He revealed that consultations were ongoing regarding possible future political aspirations, including calls for him to contest for the House of Representatives.
Speaking on behalf of the new entrants, the Edo minority leader said their alignment with the NDC followed months of consultations, reflection and careful observation of unfolding developments within Nigeria’s political environment.
According to him, uncertainty within major political parties compelled many politicians to begin exploring alternative political platforms capable of offering stability and direction.
On her part, Aisha Yesufu described the growing political movement as a turning point for Nigeria, insisting that citizens must remain actively involved in shaping the country’s future.
“We want to build a country where the child of nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody,” she said.
Also speaking, Agbonayinma expressed confidence that the NDC would redefine Nigeria’s political landscape, noting that the movement was already gaining traction across the six geopolitical zones.
Meanwhile, the party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Abdulmumin Abdusalam, described the reception as “epoch-making,” saying more governors, lawmakers and political stakeholders were expected to join the party in the coming weeks.
“Our party is like the beautiful bride every groom wants right now,” he said.
Abdusalam, however, dismissed speculations that the party had zoned its presidential ticket to the South in favour of Peter Obi, insisting that consultations were ongoing and that “all scenarios are possible.”
In his remarks, 2Baba urged Nigerians to become more conscious of their political choices and demand accountability from leaders.
“We want to see results. Everybody should use their conscience and understanding to make the right choices,” the music star stated.
Political observers at the event said the increasing momentum around the NDC reflects rising public frustration with mainstream political parties and a growing search for a viable opposition platform capable of challenging the existing political order.
