Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Seriake Dickson, the founder and national leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has dismissed claims that there is an ongoing appeal in court challenging the party's registration.
Dickson Accuses APC of Intimidating Opposition
The Senator representing Bayelsa West senatorial district accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of intimidating opposition parties and shrinking the democratic space in Nigeria. Speaking at the NDC convention on Saturday, May 9, Dickson vowed that the party would not be threatened or intimidated.
NDC's Registration Hurdles
According to Dickson, the Nigerian opposition landscape is heavily compromised, intimidated, and constricted. He noted that the NDC endured years of legal and administrative hurdles before finally securing registration from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) earlier this year. INEC issued the party a certificate of registration in February 2025.
Dickson stated: "Contrary to propaganda, there is no appeal in any court against that decision, and INEC has duly registered our party. In national interest and in line with the principles upon which the NDC was established, we have taken a historic resolution on zoning."
Background and Context
The NDC is positioning itself as a major opposition force ahead of the 2027 elections. Dickson's remarks come amid concerns about the shrinking democratic space in Nigeria, with opposition parties facing various challenges. The party's convention also addressed zoning and other strategic decisions aimed at strengthening its electoral prospects.
