National leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, has declared that the party remains an open platform for all Nigerians, as he intensified and calls for unity among opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Dickson made the remarks after receiving a fresh wave of defectors into the party alongside Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso on Wednesday.

Among those received were Mohammed Hassan and other political stakeholders from Yobe State, as well as High Chief Peter Ojemen from Edo.

He said the growing number of defections reflects increasing confidence in the NDC’s vision of inclusive governance, multi-party democracy, and issue-based political engagement.

According to Dickson, the NDC was not formed to weaken existing opposition parties but to serve as a unifying platform.

“The NDC was not established to supplant or divide the opposition. Rather, it is an umbrella platform for all well-meaning Nigerians, especially in the face of a suffocating political environment,” he said.

He emphasized that membership of the party remains open to all Nigerians, including aggrieved members of the ruling All Progressives Congress, stressing the constitutional right of citizens to freely associate.

Dickson also cautioned party supporters against attacking leaders of other opposition parties such as the African Democratic Congress and other blocs, urging a more collaborative approach.

“We must see ourselves as belonging to one political family,” he stated, warning that internal divisions could weaken the opposition’s chances in 2027.

He further accused the APC-led government of creating a hostile political climate marked by intimidation and victimisation, adding that opposition parties must work collectively to build a “National Salvation Programme” to reposition the country.

The former Bayelsa governor concluded by urging NDC leaders across all levels to remain inclusive and accommodating, reiterating that the party “belongs to all Nigerians.” (TRIBUNE)