Last week, former Bayelsa State Governor and current Senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, defected from the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) to the newly registered Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). Political analysts view the move as a calculated step to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State during the 2027 general elections. A win would consolidate Dickson’s influence, while a loss could mark the end of his political career.
However, the South South Reawakening Group (SSRG) has criticised the emergence of the NDC, describing it as “borne out of malice and deep animosity against Gov. Douye Diri,” whom they say opposes Dickson’s bid for a third term in the Senate. Joseph Ambakederimo, the group’s convener, accused Dickson of violating the unwritten zoning arrangement in Bayelsa West, which rotates political offices between the Sagbama and Ekeremor clans and limits incumbents to two tenures. He called the NDC “dead on arrival,” claiming it has no legitimate purpose other than to disrupt governance in the state.
Prior to his public defection, Dickson held strategic meetings with key stakeholders, including former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and several Bayelsa politicians, particularly from the West and East Senatorial Districts. He also met with the pro-tem NDC leadership, including Hon. Dauprebo Ikuromo, Dr. Pabara Igwele, Hon. Tesufa Alex Dumbo, and Prince Mac-Ake, as well as supporters like former Finance Commissioner Prof. Opuala Charles.
On his verified Facebook page, Dickson encouraged political leaders across Bayelsa to work together to build a grassroots-driven party that represents the people respectfully and non-violently. “I enjoined them to propagate the ideals and vision of the party in a non-violent, respectful and decent manner… I call for collaboration and support for all teams that will be set up across all wards and LGAs in Bayelsa State,” he said.
Dickson is reportedly seeking to attract politicians who had defected to the APC but were sidelined under Gov. Diri’s administration, including kinsmen of the late Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo and some PDP state legislators who resisted defection. Phone calls have allegedly been made offering tickets for future elections to encourage defections.
The APC, under newly elected Bayelsa Chairman Hon. Warman Ogoriba, is taking steps to prevent defections and maintain party unity. Ogoriba has emphasized stakeholder engagement and peaceful primary elections, insisting that opposition parties, including the NDC, will not succeed in triggering an implosion within the APC.
Despite being less than a month old, the NDC claims significant public support. Bayelsa Publicity Secretary Prince Mac-Ake stated that over a million Nigerians have registered online as members of the party, attributing the surge to its grassroots-driven model. He predicted that the ruling APC will implode, providing the NDC with opportunities to secure legislative seats in upcoming elections.
In Bayelsa West, Dickson’s stronghold, his grassroots support in the Sagbama/Ekeremor axis makes him a formidable candidate. Allies in the NDC, such as Senator Moses Cleopas, a loyalist and former PDP chairman, are expected to reinforce the party’s position.
While the NDC claims widespread acceptance, questions remain about its capacity to mobilize the financial and manpower resources required to compete against the deeply entrenched ruling party in Bayelsa. The 2027 elections will serve as a critical test of Dickson’s political influence and the viability of the NDC.
