National leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Seriake Dickson, has explained why he chose not to join the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
Dickson said he was unwilling to support a political arrangement that could lead Nigeria towards a one-party system.
The former Bayelsa State governor spoke on Thursday when the management of Leadership Newspaper visited him.
Why Dickson Chose a New Party
Dickson said the decision was influenced by the crisis within his former party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
According to him, the PDP’s internal problems created uncertainty about its ability to remain a strong opposition platform.
He said this situation pushed him and his political associates to consider a different political path.
Rather than move to the APC, Dickson said they decided to establish a new political organisation.
Defence of Political Competition
Dickson said his decision was also based on the need to preserve political competition in Nigeria.
“I did not believe Nigeria should become a one-party state,” he said.
He argued that Nigerians should have access to alternative political platforms through which they can participate in the democratic process.
NDC Seeks Strong Opposition Role
The former governor said building a new party was difficult because of the political circumstances at the time.
However, he said the NDC has continued to grow since its formation.
“Months down the line, we have built a formidable party and a major opposition platform in Nigeria,” Dickson said.
He maintained that the party’s objective is to provide Nigerians with another political option outside the ruling party.
