National Leader of Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson has faulted Dr. Umar Ardo of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) over his claims that NDC’s registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did not follow due process.

In a Monday statement, the Bayelsa East senator expressed disappointment with Ardo, whom he said was fully aware of NDC’s tortuous journey to registration and still chose to spread falsehood about the party.

The NDC founder and national leader added that as his friend of many years, the ADA promoter has shown a lack of respect and loyalty to friendship by his alleged constant propaganda against NDC.

Dickson said NDC’s application commenced in 2017, when “Dr. Ardo wasn’t even dreaming of registering a political party”.

He explained that the process initially stalled because INEC, under Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, halted the registration of political parties.

The former Bayelsa governor added, “However, last year when INEC lifted the embargo on registration of political parties, we revived our application and were subsequently listed alongside the 171 political associations.

“We waited to be invited by INEC to participate in the next stages of the registration process, only to receive a letter from INEC stating that our application was declined because our proposed logo, which is the two-finger sign, was similar to that of the APC broom.

“This was shocking to us and we wrote back to INEC to restate that the logos were in no way similar. INEC persisted and even refused us the opportunity to change the logo, upon our offer to do so.”

Dickson said NDC wrote to INEC to assert its right to sue the electoral umpire.

He said, “We wrote to INEC notifying them of our intention to sue and we went to court over this unlawful exclusion and upon this, the court enforced our rights to freedom of association, deemed us registered and directed INEC to register us, which they have implemented. INEC announced the NDC as one of the political parties in the country and issued a certificate of registration which we thank Prof. Amupitan, SAN, and the INEC, just as we thank the Judiciary.

“INEC did not and has not appealed this judgement, and by the way, the period of appeal has elapsed and no one, except INEC, has the locus standi to appeal the judgement. The judgment has been enforced by INEC and there’s nothing to appeal anymore.

“Moreover, if INEC who is the defendant has not appealed the judgement which has been accepted, implemented and obeyed, then no one can appeal against such.”

Dickson stated that upon receiving the certificate, NDC gave the mandatory 21 days notice to INEC who observed the first NEC of the party two weeks ago, confirming its officers and taking dates for the party’s congresses and primaries, to be announced soon.

“Dr. Ardo is aware of all of this because being a friend, we spoke, where he explained his frustrations stemming from INEC’s refusal to register the ADA. I explained how I faced a similar delay but approached the court and advised him to do same, which he followed.

“I am aware of the challenges he has in court as a result of disputes between him and his fellow promoters of the ADA and the NDC has nothing to do with this and, therefore, can not bear any responsibilities for his disappointment and frustration,” he added.

Dickson maintained that NDC was not the only party secured its certificate of registration after suing INEC and winning in court.

He said, “A few weeks ago, INEC also registered the NDP, which was excluded but went to court and got judgement. And again, INEC chairman and his team did not appeal against it but obeyed the order, registered the party and issued a certificate of registration.

“The NDC is therefore not the only party that was registered as a result of a court order. It is curious that Dr. Adoh is his vituperations, said nothing about the NDP or other registered political parties.

“We are happy with the NDC’s registration and its formal presentation.

“Nigerians from all over the country and in the diaspora are registering massively and the party is gaining momentum with our officers working hard and promoting it. I am doing same, receiving top politicians from across the country and from all political parties.” (The Sun)