National Leader of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, yesterday declared that the party had emerged as the country’s biggest opposition platform.

He pledged that it would continue to resist what he described as anti-democratic forces and defend multi-party democracy.

Dickson, in a message posted on his X handle, thanked Nigerians, particularly the people of Bayelsa West, Bayelsa State, the Ijaw Nation and supporters across the country and in the diaspora, for standing by him in what he described as the struggle to rescue Nigeria’s democracy.

The former Bayelsa State governor said he had remained away from home for about eight months after travelling to the state for the funeral of a former deputy governor in January, explaining that he returned to Abuja to establish and build the NDC into a national political platform.

He said the party was founded with the support of Nigerians, its candidates and leaders, including its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and vice-presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

He said: “For the past eight months, since January, when I visited Bayelsa State for the funeral of our former deputy governor, I have not been home. From there, I returned to Abuja, founded the NDC, and began to build it block by block with the support of well-meaning Nigerians. Today, it has emerged as the biggest national opposition party in our country.”

Dickson expressed appreciation to party officials and supporters nationwide, saying their confidence and prayers had sustained the movement.

The senator reaffirmed his confidence in the judiciary, urging the courts not to allow themselves to be used to undermine democratic values.

“Nigeria’s democracy must survive. Multi-party democracy must survive. We trust the judiciary to do the right thing according to the law and not allow itself to be used as an instrument to derail democracy,” he said.

Without mentioning anyone by name, Dickson accused some individuals he had previously supported politically of using the machinery of government to victimise innocent citizens and wage campaigns of intimidation against him and his supporters.

He alleged that despite years of what he described as propaganda, persecution and false accusations directed at him, his family and political associates, his supporters had remained steadfast.

The former governor said the NDC would continue to champion what he called politics of ideas, accountability and peaceful democratic engagement rather than violence and intimidation.

He disclosed that he would soon return to Bayelsa alongside the party’s National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, to appreciate members and mobilise support for the party’s programmes.

Dickson said the party would mobilise young people, women and community leaders to resist political violence, defend their votes and peacefully reject leaders who, according to him, abuse public trust.

He maintained that the NDC remained committed to strengthening Nigeria’s multi-party democracy and promoting justice, accountability, the rule of law and credible elections.

Reflecting on his political career, Dickson said he had survived years of investigations, political intimidation and what he described as failed attempts to tarnish his image, insisting that his record in office and enduring political relevance were evidence of resilience and divine grace.

He prayed for God’s continued blessings upon the NDC, Bayelsa State and Nigeria, expressing confidence that truth and justice would ultimately prevail. (The Nation News)