Henry Seriake Dickson

We were warmly received by the good people of Kano State.

This afternoon, I joined my brother, His Excellency Governor Seyi Makinde, and was also accompanied by His Royal Majesty King A.J. Turner and Azibaola Robert, both of Bayelsa State, to pay Sallah solidarity visits—firstly to His Excellency, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, who received us warmly, and with whom we had useful discussions. Thereafter, we proceeded to Kano State to honour the Sallah invitation extended to me by His Excellency, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the leader of the Kwankwassiya Movement, and were warmly received by a jubilant and enthusiastic crowd of supporters. I thank them both for the invitation, and for the hospitality and warmth extended to me and our delegation. As the National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), I have been briefed on the growing acceptance of our party and the increasing number of Nigerians registering as members. I deeply appreciate the interest, belief, confidence, and prayers of Nigerians. In just three weeks, we are building a truly national and ideological party committed to promoting multiparty democracy in Nigeria. I enjoin all Nigerians, especially members of this fast-growing party, to remain peaceful, orderly, and law-abiding. While holding firmly to their political opinions and beliefs, they should continue to persuade others respectfully and tolerate differing views. This reflects my political style: peaceful, non-violent, and issue-based politics driven by ideas. I encourage everyone to continue registering and intensify the process of mass mobilisation. Multiparty democracy must survive in Nigeria. We wish Nigeria the very best. -HSD

Join me this Monday, March 23, on X Space for a thoughtful and candid conversation on Nigeria’s political reality. I will be sharing reflections on my decision to leave the PDP and the broader vision for a more effective and responsive political alternative for our country. Time: 8PM Listen live: x.com/i/spaces/1ygnr… #NDC #OppositionVoices #HSD

On behalf of my family and as the National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), I extend warm felicitations to Muslim faithful across the nation and around the world on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr. This sacred festival, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, is a time of gratitude, reflection, and renewed commitment to the values of sacrifice, compassion, discipline, and unity. These enduring virtues are essential to strengthening our national cohesion and advancing the collective good of our country. As we celebrate, I call on all Nigerians to remain steadfast in promoting peace, tolerance, and mutual respect, and to continue working together in the shared task of building a prosperous, secure, and united Nigeria. May this blessed occasion bring peace, joy, and abundant blessings to every home. Eid Mubarak! -HSD

I thank all our compatriots in Zamfara, Katsina, FCT, Kano, Jigawa State, and indeed across the country, who are registering on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and mobilising others to join. We appreciate your efforts, which have contributed to the rapid growth of the NDC into a truly national party—strong, organised, and ready to compete democratically in the next elections. By next week, our compatriots in the South West, South East, North Central, North East, and North West will join the South South in full mobilisation for the membership registration exercise. I thank our party officials for their efforts, and I thank Nigerians for their interest, support, and prayers. As I have always maintained, I am an apostle of nonviolent politics. Those who, out of pettiness, envy, and fear, resort to using state resources to sponsor smear campaigns or incite violence should do so in their own name, not in ours. Throughout my years in politics, I have never been associated with violence; my focus has always been on promoting peace, order, and stability. It is always the party with federal and state might and resources that deploys thugs, military, and other security agents to kill and maim innocent supporters of mine over the years. The NDC has come to stay. No amount of intimidation or smear campaign can deter us, and the sooner this is understood, the better. Those who disagree should channel their energies into preparing their candidates and presenting their ideas to the people when campaigns begin, rather than engaging in violence, propaganda, and public disorder. The NDC is not a sudden creation. It is the product of years of vision, planning, and perseverance, dating back to 2017, when I foresaw the need for a strong, ideologically driven democratic party in Nigeria. We persevered through legal and political challenges until we finally secured victory in court. I therefore call on all members and supporters of the NDC to conduct themselves peacefully and continue their mobilisation efforts in a responsible, orderly, and nonviolent manner, ignoring irritations and distractions. I enjoin the general public to be wary of merchants and contractors of violence and smear campaigns. For us in the NDC, our strength lies in our discipline, our message, and our commitment to democratic ideals—not in confrontation or disorder. I call on security agencies to nip in the bud any individuals masquerading as supporters of those in authority who incite violence or engage in actions capable of endangering lives and property, all in a bid to make money and create unnecessary fear. Members and supporters of the NDC have the constitutional right to belong to and associate with any political party of their choice, or even contest elections. They should, therefore, disregard all forms of intimidation and propaganda and remain focused on the collective goal of building a strong, transparent, and people-driven democratic movement. Nigeria cannot, and must not, become a one-party state. Democracy must survive, and the voices of all Nigerians must continue to count. God bless Nigeria. —HSD

Today, in the company of the National Chairman, national officers, and some state chairmen of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), we launched the party’s Digital Membership Register as required by the Electoral Act. This digital register is a simplified and user-friendly platform designed to enable Nigerians to register as members of the party, both within the country and in the diaspora. Members who had previously registered with the party are advised not to register again, as their existing membership details will be migrated to the new digital portal. The digital registration will also be complemented by manual registration forms to ensure inclusiveness, particularly for those in rural communities who may not have access to digital tools. Printed forms will be distributed through state, local government, and ward officials to assist those who are unable to register online. The completed forms will subsequently be processed and the registration details uploaded to the digital portal. I thank all Nigerians who, within this short period of just two weeks, have shown great interest in supporting and joining the NDC. I thank them for their prayers, support and solidarity. I urge all Nigerians at home and in the diaspora who are desirous of taking Nigeria in the right direction to join us in building a strong, inclusive, and people-driven political movement. -HSD

Women deserve a strong voice in leadership and governance, and the NDC firmly believes in affirmative action to ensure they have their rightful place. Join me tomorrow, Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 8:00 PM, as I discuss the NDC’s plans for Nigerian women. Be part of the conversation. 🔗 x.com/i/spaces/1NGar… #NDC #NigerianWomen #Leadership

UNVEILING OF NDC DIGITAL MEMBERSHIP REGISTER As the National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), I will be joining the National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas to formally unveil the party’s Digital Membership Register on Monday, March 16, 2026. This digital register is a modern, simplified, and user-friendly platform designed to enable Nigerians to register as members of the party, both within Nigeria and in the Diaspora. The platform provides two portals: one for membership registration for Nigerians residing in any part of the country and another dedicated to Nigerians living abroad. Members who had previously registered with the party are advised not to register again, as their existing membership details will be migrated to the new digital portal. This party, being a party of the people and not being funded by the government, will be sustained through membership dues, levies, and donations from members who are committed to building a strong, transparent, and people-driven ideological political movement. While registration is open and free for all, the party will appreciate donations and the payment of membership dues, and we thank those who have already done so, as shown on our portal. In line with the requirements of the Electoral Act, the details required for registration on the digital portal include: • Name • Address • Sex • Date of Birth • Place of Residence (where the member is registered to vote) • State • Local Government Area • Ward • Polling Unit • National Identification Number (NIN) • Voter’s Card number • Passport Photograph This digital register will be compiled and submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) within the time stipulated by law. I therefore call on all Nigerians who believe in the ideals of democracy, transparency, and national renewal to register in their respective wards and be part of the growing democratic movement to build a stronger and more inclusive Nigeria. -HSD

Today, I formally notified the Senate of my change of party affiliation from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), a party of which I am the Founder and National Leader. The party is recording tremendous success across the country, and I wish to commend Nigerians for their solidarity, support, and the confidence reposed in us. I also commend our state and national officials for the work they are doing, and I urge them to keep up the fight for a multiparty democracy in Nigeria. I call on the public to continue to register en masse to enable us comply with the requirements, which we are confident of meeting despite the shortness of time. All political parties are currently carrying out their membership registrations, and we are determined to also meet the requirements, as the law does not stipulate a minimum number of registered party members. We are even recording successes far beyond our expectations for a political party that is barely two weeks old. I therefore invite all like-minded persons, those who are dissatisfied in their parties, professionals, politicians and Nigerians who are dissatisfied with the system, as well as those whose associations were not registered, to join us in building a viable and credible political party. Again, I thank Nigerians for their support and confidence, and I urge all to register across the country. The NDC is for us all. -HSD

Today, as the world marks International Women's Day, I join millions across Nigeria and the global community in celebrating the strength, resilience, and invaluable contributions of women to our society. Women are the backbone of families, communities, and nations. Across Nigeria and the world over, women continue to play vital roles as caregivers, entrepreneurs, educators, professionals, and leaders who shape our economy, nurture our children, and strengthen the fabric of our democracy. Their contributions are indispensable to nation-building and sustainable development. While we celebrate the progress made, we must also acknowledge that more work remains to be done to ensure that women enjoy more opportunities, representation, and respect in all spheres of life, especially in governance, economy and decision making. In all my years in public service, I have remained committed to advancing policies and initiatives that promote women empowerment and inclusion. I firmly believe that democracy can only thrive when women are actively involved in leadership and governance. This year's International Women's Day comes just a few days after the registration and public presentation of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) of which I am the National Leader. It is the fastest growing party, registered and presented only five days ago and it is already generating interests across the country. The NDC is concerned about the lack of adequate representation and empowerment of women especially at the level of governance and leadership in Nigeria. The party espouses affirmative action and believes that women should have a special place as is the case in other countries of the world. Nigeria, unfortunately, lags behind even smaller African nations in women’s involvement in leadership, and this has to change. As we reflect on the theme of this year’s celebration, “Rights, Justice and Action for All Women and Girls”, I call on governments, institutions, and communities across Nigeria to intensify efforts toward eliminating barriers that limit the full participation of women in politics, governance, and economic development. Let us continue to work together to build a society where every woman and girl can realize her full potential, where their voices are heard, and where their leadership is welcomed and valued. To all Nigerian women - mothers, wives, daughters, sisters and friends, I celebrate your courage, dedication, and enduring contributions to our nation and our world, and I urge you all to be proud of your contributions and never give up. Happy International Women’s Day! -HSD

I have accepted an invitation to appear on TVC NEWS tomorrow, Sunday March 8, to discuss my political transition to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), the vision behind it, and the future of opposition politics in Nigeria. Tune in and be part of the conversation. -HSD

The movement is growing! Visit ndcnigeria.com and register to become a member of the NDC. Together, we can build a stronger platform for leadership, democracy, and the future of our people.

Today, I officially announced my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and formally declared my membership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), a party I founded and whose leadership has appointed me as its National Leader. The journey of the NDC has been long in the making, and I helped midwife the process that led to its creation. 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. My decision to set up the NDC has been a painful one because of the PDP’s contribution to me, the people of Bayelsa and all Nigerians, but the reality is that we must move forward. By my nature and background, I am not a politician of convenience but one guided by conviction, principles, and values. The Nigeria Democratic Congress is a national platform for patriots committed to building a stronger, fairer, and more prosperous Nigeria. Our priorities begin with national security, ensuring the protection of lives and property through strengthened defence and security institutions; education and skills development to build human capacity and drive national progress; affordable and quality healthcare for all Nigerians; a free-market economy guided by responsible regulation and social protection; industrialisation and local production to reduce dependence on imports; modernised agriculture and food security across the value chain; empowerment and inclusion of women and youth in governance and development; true federalism and devolution of powers to strengthen states and local governments; environmental protection and remediation of degraded areas; provision of affordable housing and modern towns; Pan-Africanist foreign policy and economic diplomacy; preservation and promotion of Nigeria’s culture and heritage; expansion of national infrastructure and transportation networks; reliable and sustainable power and energy supply; reform of the public service to ensure efficiency and accountability; and large-scale employment creation across sectors to provide opportunities for all Nigerians. The NDC will promote an independent judiciary, a free and independent press and ensure the promotion and protection of democratic norms and adherence to the rule of law. It is for these reasons that I have chosen to align fully with the NDC as we work together to build a stronger, fairer, and more inclusive Nigeria. 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. I therefore call on all our people, and indeed all Nigerians who believe in justice, equity, and a new Nigeria, to join this movement. The NDC is a platform for all who are committed to building a nation founded on true federalism, responsible leadership, and shared prosperity for all our people. I thank all Nigerians for their prayers and support. -HSD

I join all Nigerians, friends, and well-wishers around the world in celebrating an iconic leader, father, and statesman—former Head of State and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR—on his birthday. You have been a source of great inspiration, and all of us, your children around the world, celebrate you and pray that God continues to keep you in good health and grant you many more years of service to Nigeria and humanity. Thank you for your service to the nation and for your enduring mentorship. -HSD

Press Conference briefing by Senator Henry Seriake Dickson x.com/i/broadcasts/1…

This afternoon, I presented my annual educational grant to 136 students of Bayelsa State at the Nigerian Law School for the year 2025. I congratulated them and urged them to take their studies and professional lives seriously, work hard, and develop themselves to be able to contribute meaningfully to the development of the nation and the service of humanity and God. This is a programme I have sustained since I left office. As Governor, I had a big agenda on education, as in other sectors —building universities (University of Africa Toru-Orua, Bayelsa Medical University), Colleges of Education, Polytechnics, Secondary Schools, and free boarding education for thousands, Headmasters and Teachers Quarters, the Ijaw National Academy, the Sports Academy, as well as 15 Model Schools. I awarded over 4,000 scholarships for undergraduates and postgraduates, locally and internationally, even during a difficult period of recession. I also introduced by law the Education Development Trust Fund (EDTF), the Tertiary Students Loan Board to support students facing financial challenges, the Teachers Training Board, Education Inspectorate Agency, Board for Science and Technical Education, Driving school, The International Institute for Tourism , the Bayelsa Polytechnic Aliebiri, rebuilt and repositioned the Niger Delta University (NDU), and several other initiatives and institutions. Since leaving office as Governor, I have continued to award scholarships and grants every year. In addition, I established Hensard University, Bayelsa’s first private university, which is now in its third year. This annual grant to Bayelsa students of the Nigerian Law School is my modest way of encouraging students and supporting the efforts they, their parents, and guardians are making. It also provides me with the opportunity to meet with them, guide them, and offer advice, as I hav done today. I wish them the very best. – HSD

A Major Announcement is Coming!!! Tomorrow, Thursday, 5th March 2026, at 2:00 PM, I will be making an important statement at a Press Conference addressing the future of our people and our democracy. Stay tuned. Be ready. Be part of the moment. #NDC #NigeriaPolitics #2027Elections

This afternoon, I received stakeholders from Bayelsa West Senatorial District, led by our respected elder statesman, Hon. Fyneman Wilson, Dr. Osusu, Chief Suru Oyarede, and others. We had briefings on political developments and engaged in positive discussions. I thank them, all our leaders, and the good people of Bayelsa State for the support and solidarity they have always given, and for their prayers. I also thank all our people in Bayelsa and across the Ijaw nation, the Niger Delta, and the entirety of Nigeria for their best wishes, messages of support and solidarity, and for their prayers. Secondly, I also received the pro-tem Chairman and key members of the pro-tem Exco of the NDC in Bayelsa, who were introduced to me by the National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas. They are: Hon. Dauprebo Ikuromo (State Chairman), Dr. Pabara Igwele (State Deputy Chairman), Hon. Tesufa Alex Dumbo (State Secretary), Prince Mac-Ake (Publicity Secretary), and others. I also received Prof. Opuala Charles and Chief Williams from Nembe who visited in solidarity. I enjoined them to put in their very best to build a strong, grassroots-based party and movement that will give our people a voice and a face in a peaceful and non-violent manner, with effective grassroots connection and mobilisation, which is my political style. I further enjoined them to propagate the ideals and vision of the party, and to do so in a non-violent, respectful, and decent manner to all, as we are all brothers and sisters who have been compelled by circumstances to be on different platforms; and that is normal in a multiparty democracy. I call for collaboration and support for all of them and the various teams that will be set up across all the wards and LGAs in Bayelsa State. I enjoin the stakeholders to take charge of this movement, and the people to own it, drive it, and organize it to accord with local desires, sensibilities, and ambitions. I wish them all the best. NDC all the way! -HSD

Yesterday, some youths came to my residence with branded T-shirts and fez caps. I thanked and encouraged them, and I urge all to be part of the new movement. The future belongs to those who are ready to shape it with courage, vision, and collective resolve. -HSD

Today, it was a pleasure to receive His Excellency, Peter Obi, on a courtesy visit. We had a warm and engaging discussion on national issues and reaffirmed our shared commitment to Nigeria’s progress and unity. I commiserated with him over the dastardly attempt to intimidate or assassinate opposition leaders at the private residence of His Excellency, Chief Oyegun, an 85-year-old elderstatesman in Benin. I expressed my concerns to Mr. Obi and others affected, and I expressed hope that the Federal Government and security agencies will bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure that such an act never occurs again, either in Benin City or anywhere else in Nigeria. I also thanked him for visiting my village and attending the funeral of our late Deputy Governor. Similarly, I received the three PDP opposition members, led by the Minority Leader, Hon. Ted Elemeforo, who came to visit me. I thank them for the visit and their solidarity, and I wish them well. — HSD