Dickson Resigns from PDP, Joins Nigeria Democratic Congress

On Thursday, October 19, 2023, former Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson announced his resignation from the People's Democratic Party (PDP) during a press conference in Abuja. He cited deepening internal crises and poor leadership within the PDP as reasons for his departure.

Dickson joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), presenting himself as membership number 001, and claimed the party would provide a credible alternative in Nigeria's political landscape. He expressed disappointment with the current Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, who is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and criticized the PDP for its declining effectiveness as an opposition party.

In response, Warman Ogoriba, the Bayelsa State chairman of the APC, downplayed the potential threat posed by the NDC, asserting that the APC has a formidable structure in the state. Dickson's move reflects ongoing challenges within the PDP as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.