- Safiu Kehinde
Bayelsa state lawmaker, Sen. Seriake Dickson, has explained the reasons behind his refusal to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) or the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
NPO Reported that Dickson had yesterday dumped the PDP and defected to the Nigeria Democratic Party (NDC), a newly registered party founded by the lawmaker representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District.
While he had earlier announced his plan to defect from the PDP, speculations had grown over where he will be heading next with the APC and ADC tipped as the two strongest options of the former Bayelsa governor.
Dickson, who had established himself as a strong critic of the APC-led administration, ruled out the speculation as he declared him membership with the NDC yesterday.
Explaining the reason behind his decision in a post shared on his X handle hours after his defection, the lawmaker claimed it would have been easy for him to join the APC.
He however reiterated his stance against a one-party state which citing the alleged abuse and disrespect of the country’s diversity by the ruling party as one of the reasons for his refusal to join the APC.
Dickson also noted the growing insecurity and APC’s alleged failure of the APC to protect the welfare of Nigerians amongst others as reasons for his decision.
“In making the decision to go with the NDC, I made it clear that Nigeria must never become a one-party state. It would have been easy for me to join the bandwagon of politicians decamping to the ruling party—the APC, but that was never an option for me.
“My decision is informed by a number of reasons: the APC’s abuse and disrespect of the country’s diversity, its inability to effectively manage national security, and its failure to manage the economy in a manner that protects the welfare of Nigerians, resulting in widespread hunger, poverty, and disillusionment.
“This is further compounded by the mismanagement of our democratic space and the rejection of electoral reforms, leaving democratic liberties under threat after twelve years in power.” The lawmaker said.
On the reason for turning down joining the ADC, Dickson admitted knowing the leadership of the ADC.
He however maintained that he is yet to be convinced about the actual position of the coalition party.
“I also explained why I could not align with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
“I thank the ADC leaders for not succumbing to the pressures of a one-party state, however I am yet to clearly understand their position on some of the fundamental issues and principles that I strongly stand for and believe in.
“Furthermore, I am not sure if the ADC is a coalition or a collision, but I hope they prove me wrong.
“ADC leaders are personally known to me; we interact and will continue to do so in furtherance of Nigeria’s democracy.” Dickson said.