Dickson, NDC leaders welcome APC defectors

Former Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, on Wednesday received a group of defectors from the ruling All Progressives Congress, signaling fresh realignments within Nigeria’s evolving political space ahead of future elections.

The defectors, comprising mostly young party members, were formally received by Dickson alongside leaders of the Nigerian Democratic Congress during a solidarity visit to his residence in Abuja.

The group was led by a former Special Adviser on Youth Matters at the APC National Headquarters, Nasir Lawal, who said their decision to dump the ruling party followed growing dissatisfaction with its internal structure and direction.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Lawal said the development reflected deep-seated concerns among young party faithful who, he claimed, had become increasingly alienated within the APC.

He said, “Many young members had become ‘internally displaced’ within the party. All we have been seeing is an increase in marginalisation of the youth and women.

“The APC had gradually shifted away from its founding ideals, with key party activities and campaign structures now dominated by a small circle of political elites, including serving and former governors, lawmakers, and influential insiders.”

Lawal further alleged that grassroots members — who had long contributed to the party’s growth — were increasingly sidelined, while opportunities and resources were concentrated among a select few.

This, he said, had created widespread disillusionment among loyal supporters.

He also criticised what he described as the party’s disconnect from pressing national challenges, particularly insecurity in parts of the country, accusing its leadership of prioritising political calculations ahead of governance.

“Politics must reflect the interests of the masses,” Lawal said, adding that the move to the NDC represented a collective commitment to a more inclusive and people-oriented political platform.

Responding, Dickson commended the defectors for what he described as a bold and patriotic decision, noting that the move underscored the growing political consciousness among Nigerian youths.

“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.

The former governor assured the new entrants of seamless integration into the party, directing that they be linked with NDC state chairmen nationwide to enable active participation across all levels of the party structure.

He reiterated the party’s commitment to inclusivity, citing policies that encourage youth participation and affirmative action for women, while stressing that members are free to contest elective positions on merit.

Dickson emphasised that Nigeria’s greatest strength lies in its human capital, expressing confidence in the ability of young people to drive meaningful national transformation.

“The NDC is a party for all Nigerians,” he said, urging the defectors to mobilise others to join the movement.

He also disclosed that women political leaders from various parts of the country had recently aligned with the party and had been integrated into state structures in line with its inclusion policy.

“In line with our affirmative policy, women must play active roles in leadership. We will continue to promote greater inclusivity across all levels,” he added.

The defection underscores shifting loyalties within Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly among youth constituencies, and highlights growing calls for internal party reforms, broader participation, and issue-based politics as the country inches closer to another electoral cycle.