Senator Dickson Dismisses Ardo’s Claims as Propaganda, Defends NDC Registration Process

In a forceful defense of his party’s legitimacy, National Leader of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, has dismissed allegations regarding the party’s registration process, describing them as “misguided and sponsored propaganda” from a former ally.

The controversy erupted after Umar Ardo, a longtime associate of Dickson, publicly questioned the validity of the NDC’s registration with Nigeria’s electoral authority. In a comprehensive statement released Monday evening, Dickson expressed disappointment at Ardo’s criticism, characterizing it as a betrayal of their political friendship.

“His actions speak to a lack of respect and loyalty to friendship,” Dickson stated, noting that Ardo was well aware of the party’s origins and the legal challenges it had overcome to secure official recognition.

According to Dickson’s account, the NDC’s registration journey began in 2017, long before Ardo contemplated forming his own political entity. The process was temporarily halted when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), under the leadership of Mahmood Yakubu, imposed a moratorium on registering new political parties.

The registration effort resumed after INEC lifted this suspension last year, with the NDC listed among 171 political associations seeking official status. However, the electoral body initially rejected the NDC’s application, citing purported similarities between its proposed two-finger logo and that of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Dickson revealed that the NDC challenged this decision through legal channels, arguing that the logos were distinctly different and that INEC had denied the party an opportunity to make adjustments. The court ultimately ruled in the NDC’s favor.

“The court enforced our rights to freedom of association, deemed us registered and directed INEC to register us,” Dickson explained. He emphasized that INEC subsequently complied with the judgment by issuing an official certificate of registration to the party.

The political veteran was quick to point out that INEC did not appeal the ruling and that the window for any legal challenge has now closed. He maintained that no individual or organization has standing to contest the party’s legitimacy at this stage.

“The judgment has been accepted, implemented and obeyed. There is nothing to appeal anymore,” he stated.

The NDC has already held its inaugural National Executive Committee meeting with INEC officials in attendance, following mandatory notification procedures. The party is now preparing to announce schedules for congresses and primaries, signaling its intention to participate fully in Nigeria’s political process.

Addressing the specific grievances raised by Ardo, Dickson acknowledged awareness of internal disputes within Ardo’s political association (ADA) but insisted that the NDC bears no responsibility for these challenges. He also noted that the NDC is not unique in having secured registration through court intervention, citing the National Democratic Party (NDP) as another organization that followed a similar path.

“It is curious that Dr. Ardo, in his vituperations, said nothing about the NDP or other registered political parties,” Dickson observed, suggesting potential bias in his former ally’s criticism.

The former Bayelsa State governor claimed that the NDC continues to gain nationwide traction, with increasing registration from Nigerians both domestically and internationally. He described the organization as “an ideological party committed to a new brand of politics of ideas and service” that is attracting politicians from across the spectrum.

Nigeria’s political landscape has seen significant fragmentation in recent years, with new parties emerging as alternatives to the dominant APC and the main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP). This diversification reflects growing disillusionment among voters with the established political order and could potentially reshape electoral dynamics ahead of future contests.

Dickson warned against the spread of misinformation about the NDC, suggesting that certain political actors may be promoting negative narratives due to concerns over the party’s growing influence in Nigeria’s opposition space.

He concluded his statement with a quote from Mahatma Gandhi: “First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, and then you win,” before affirming that “The NDC has come to stay.”