Henry Seriake Dickson

Senator of the Federal Republic @NGRSenate. Former Member of @HouseNGR. Former Governor of Bayelsa State 2012 - 2020. Servant of the People.

[Henry Seriake Dickson @iamHSDickson]

I just received my brother and our Vice Presidential candidate, His Excellency Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and we discussed issues of mutual interest concerning our party.

We reaffirmed our resolve to stand together in the fight for multi-party democracy, and I briefed him on the measures the party is taking to correct and redress the distractions occasioned by the anomalous ruling of the Federal High Court.

We are on course!

~HSD

[Henry Seriake Dickson @iamHSDickson]

I will be on Politics Today on Channels TV at 8:00pm today. Tune in to follow the program.

[Henry Seriake Dickson @iamHSDickson]

I will be on Channels TV Politics today by 8pm.

[Henry Seriake Dickson @iamHSDickson]

This morning, I, like several other leaders, officials, candidates of the NDC, and members of the public, was jolted by the order issued by the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja and presided over by Honourable Justice Isah Dashen.

All I can say is that the order lacks legal merit and is intended to affect the foundational credibility and efforts of our party. The order is illegal and will not stand. It is against multi-party democracy, anti-democratic in nature, and aimed at narrowing and stifling the democratic space. It will be resisted by all of us and by all lovers of democracy in Nigeria.

We have assembled our team of lawyers, and they are taking appropriate steps to set the order aside and restore normalcy. I call on all members, supporters, and candidates of the NDC to remain calm and continue with their normal political activities. This is only the first test of our commitment and resilience, both of which are not in doubt. Even this shall pass, and the NDC and all our candidates shall cruise to victory.

We are not naive to expect that the tremendous progress we have achieved in the last five months would go without attack, but this particular development came from a very unlikely source. The application by an unregistered association, which is not a registered political party and has no exclusive right to any logo under the law, is shocking.

Moreover, it was not a necessary party to the suit because it had no interest in the subject matter. It did not apply for registration in 2025, it was not one of the 171 associations that applied, nor was it among the 21 associations shortlisted for registration.

So, we know where this is coming from. It is coming from those who are shocked by the progress the NDC has made within such a short period as a result of our hard work and commitment to deepening multi-party democracy.

We will not allow this to slow us down or break our spirit. The struggle must continue.

We will use appropriate judicial channels to correct the judicial anomaly that occurred under the watch of Honourable Justice Dashen. He has clearly erred in law, and we will take steps to correct it.

All our candidates, supporters, and teeming voters across the country and beyond should hold on firmly and keep the faith. This development shows that our efforts have not gone unnoticed.

I would also like to refer to my favourite quote on struggles "First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they attack you, then you win."

We are under attack, as I have repeatedly said we should prepare for challenges such as this. But thereafter, we shall win.

Even with today's development, thousands of Nigerians are joining us in solidarity. In fact, thousands of Nigerians across the country registered as NDC members today to show their solidarity, sympathy and support for our party. All things work together for good. Men may act with evil intentions, but if it is not the will of God, He turns it around for our good.

I sincerely thank Nigerians for the confidence they continue to repose in the NDC. Your support, encouragement, and belief in our vision only strengthen our resolve to continue the struggle to deepen multi-party democracy in Nigeria.

~ HSD

[Henry Seriake Dickson @iamHSDickson]

This afternoon, it was a pleasure to have received the vice-presidential candidate of our party, His Excellency Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who paid a condolence visit over the passing of my aide and brother, Zamani Tanko, upon his arrival from Kano today, in the company of other leaders of our party.

I also received the North West National Vice Chairman of our party, Alhaji Muhammad Sabo Bakin Zuwo, Alhaji Mohammed Sani Takori, and Ihekwoaba Paul, Esq. who is the leader of the Association of the physically challenged and the house of assembly aspirant of our party in Ezinihitte Mbaise Constituency, Imo state.

I thank all who have visited, and several others who have called and sent condolence messages to my family, staff, and myself.

I pray that the gentle soul of Zamani will continue to rest in peace.

~HSD

[Henry Seriake Dickson @iamHSDickson]

I just received my brother, colleague, and partner in the New Nigerian Project, His Excellency Mr. Peter Gregory Obi, CON, our presidential candidate, who, together with some distinguished leaders of our party, held a closed-door meeting which lasted about three hours.

In the course of that meeting, we reviewed the activities of our party and discussed a few recent issues that have been a source of concern to all sides, and we amicably resolved all the issues

We have always been on the same page on the bigger picture, i.e., winning the elections for all candidates of our party and rescuing Nigeria from the misgovernance of the APC-led government. However, a few issues have arisen, and we have agreed on how to handle them moving forward.

I want to use this opportunity again to call on all members of our party to stop the bickering and name-calling and focus on the bigger picture. Both His Excellency Peter Obi and I, as well as other leaders and stakeholders of our party, will continue to consult and engage with one another to address and resolve concerns, strengthen the unity and cohesion of our party, and ensure that we remain focused on our shared mission of rescuing Nigeria and building a better future for all.

Happy Democracy Day.

~HSD

[Henry Seriake Dickson @iamHSDickson]

Last night, I had an interview with Arise TV, where I sympathised with our aspirants over some noticeable irregularities in our just-concluded primaries.

I noted that, while not claiming that the exercise was perfect, I urged all of them to bear with the party in view of the circumstances we are managing, which have overwhelmed even bigger parties. This includes parties with a sitting President, 33 Governors, and control of political structures in most states, in the case of the APC, and even the ADC, which is over two years old.

I made the case that we are just four months old and have been thrown into the middle of a very tight electoral timeframe, within which we had to carry out membership registration, congresses up to the national convention, primaries up to the national convention, appeal processes, and now the reconciliation phase.

I identified the root cause of these challenges, my views on the Electoral Act have been clear: the APC-led majority were wrong in foisting compulsory direct primaries on political parties and the country. Complaints about irregularities in direct primaries are pervasive across all parties and are not peculiar to the NDC.

As a matter of fact, considering the age of the NDC and the teeming number of aspirants we have had to manage, we have done quite well. For months since the formation of the NDC, I have been building confidence and receiving respected politicians into its fold. Since the primaries I have been attending to people and managing disagreements across the country on a daily basis.

The NDC is on the ascendancy, and I thank Nigerians for their trust and confidence in our party. Even these challenges, which are not peculiar to us, will pass.

I also noted that no party has announced any set of winners from its primaries, and neither has the NDC. The public should disregard any such claims in circulation, especially on social media, and await the party's formal submissions through the appropriate channels. The results of party primaries are not announced like school results; they are communicated through formal channels.

I thank all our members for their abiding support. In anticipation of these challenges, the 2nd NEC meeting, held a few days ago, approved the composition of a Reconciliation Committee to work with state caucus leaders and other stakeholders in managing grievances.

As I have stated before, this is our first set of primaries, and it will also be the last to be conducted manually. The next primaries will be technologically driven and will have none of these issues.

I thank all supporters of our party, which has no government officials and is entirely self-funded. I appreciate their donations, contributions, and sacrifices made on behalf of the party. They remain valuable members of our party regardless of the outcome of the primaries.

We are in this together, and we are all committed to ensuring the success of our party and our presidential team, their Excellencies Peter Obi and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who are my colleagues in this project.

This success must be managed carefully, with everyone working together. I advise all members and supporters to avoid meaningless quarrels and infighting. Everyone should support our candidates, from the Presidency down to the least elective office.

I urge all the stakeholders, caucus leaders and other leaders in various states who coordinated the primaries to take responsibility and step up their game in terms of coordiating the reconciliation process. Most of the candidates are persons backed and recommended by them, and not me nor the national leadership of the party. It is not a time to shift blames or dodge responsibilities. Since they midwifed and managed the process of the primaries, they should equally help in supporting the party in coordinating the reconciliation process, of which they have the support of the party.

~HSD

[Henry Seriake Dickson @iamHSDickson]

I will be on PrimeTime on Arise Tv at 8:00pm today. Tune in to follow the program.

[Henry Seriake Dickson @iamHSDickson]

This evening, it was a pleasure to receive His Excellency Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and senior officials of the NDC at my residence, where they were welcomed by me and some members of the National Working Committee.

The meeting was part of my ongoing mediatory efforts aimed at ensuring that our party officials in Kano state and the leader of the party in the state, who is also our Vice Presidential candidate, remain on the same page at this critical moment in the life of our party.

The NDC is fast emerging as the leading opposition party in Nigeria, and as with every growing political movement, disagreements and clashes of interest are inevitable. We are accustomed to managing such challenges through dialogue, consultation, and reconciliation. That is what I have been doing, not only in Kano State but across the nation for the past months.

At no time have we imposed candidates on any state, not even in my home state of Bayelsa. We have consistently allowed democratic processes to play themselves out, despite the imperfections and difficulties that naturally arise.

We had fruitful deliberations, and I am confident that, with goodwill and our collective commitment, all parties will continue to work together harmoniously as we pursue victory for our party and its candidates.

His Excellency Senator Kwankwaso and I share a long history of collaboration dating back to our days in the PDP, when we both served as governors, and continuing to the present day. Over the years, we have maintained a close relationship, regularly visiting one another, sharing confidences, discussing national issues, and planning political engagements. We look forward to continuing this partnership in the interest of the NDC and the nation.

The Kwankwasiyya Movement, the Obidient Movement and other support groups remain valuable mobilization networks. I had earlier recieved a courtesy delegation some weeks ago by the Obidient Movement and promised to ensure their integration into the activities of our party at various levels across the country; and the same for the Kwankwasiyya movement which I have asked for their list of coordinators to be forwarded to the party for the same purpose. This process will be undertaken in a structured and orderly manner.

Everyone is welcome in the NDC, and we deeply appreciate the support, commitment, and participation of all our members, stakeholders, support groups, and volunteers. We remain committed to working with all who share our vision while continuing to build the NDC as a strong, disciplined, and enduring political institution bigger than any of its members.

~HSD

[Henry Seriake Dickson @iamHSDickson]

Today, it was a pleasure to receive the leadership of PANDEF, led by its Chairman, my elder brother Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, who paid me a courtesy visit at my residence.

Our discussions were productive and focused on issues affecting the Niger Delta region and our country as a whole. I commend PANDEF for its continued engagement with political leaders and institutions in pursuit of peace, equity, development, and national cohesion.

I thank PANDEF for their support, solidarity, and recognition of the NDC as a growing national movement committed to the ideals of democratic governance, inclusion, justice, and national development.

I thank Ambassador Igali, the entire PANDEF leadership, and indeed all Nigerians for their prayers, support, goodwill, and belief in what we are building together. We remain committed to providing purposeful leadership and a credible platform through which Nigerians can work together to advance the cause of national progress.

~HSD

[Henry Seriake Dickson @iamHSDickson]

Yesterday, we held the 2nd NEC Meeting of our great party, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), alongside our presidential candidate, His Excellency Peter Obi, CON, members of the National Working Committee, State Chairmen, party leaders, and stakeholders from across the country.

The meeting provided an opportunity to review our progress as a party, assess the outcome of the recently concluded primaries, and agree on the next steps as we continue to build a strong national platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In my remarks I thanked our presidential candidate, His Excellency Peter Obi, CON, and his running mate, His Excellency Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, CON, for their commitment, leadership, and inspiring participation throughout the processes. I also extended my appreciation to all our governorship, National Assembly, and State Assembly aspirants, party leaders, stakeholders, and supporters who travelled from across the country to participate in the primaries, presidential affirmation, and NEC meeting. Their sacrifices, enthusiasm, and belief in the NDC continue to strengthen our resolve and inspire confidence in the future of our party.

After reviewing reports from across the federation, NEC ratified and endorsed the outcome of the nationwide primary elections and commended our electoral committees, screening and appeal panels, party officials, volunteers, aspirants, candidates, and supporters whose dedication ensured the successful conduct of the exercise. For a relatively young political party, what we have achieved within such a short period is remarkable.

While acknowledging that there were challenges and disagreements in some locations, the NEC reaffirmed its commitment to internal democracy, transparency, fairness, and inclusion. We resolved to immediately intensify reconciliation, consultation, and stakeholder engagement efforts across the country and called on all aspirants and stakeholders to remain actively involved in the task of building the party. The NDC values every member and remains committed to ensuring that everyone has a role to play in our collective journey.

As part of our commitment to innovation and institutional development, NEC approved plans for the introduction of electronic voting in future congresses and primary elections, while also directing the strengthening of our digital membership registration and party data management systems. We believe that technology must play a central role in deepening transparency, participation, and confidence in democratic processes.

The committee also resolved to intensify grassroots mobilisation and membership expansion nationwide while strengthening party structures at ward, local government, state, zonal, and national levels as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.

NEC further reviewed recent developments in the nation's electoral environment, including aspects of the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines, and reaffirmed the party's commitment to pursuing democratic, legal, and constitutional remedies wherever necessary in defence of a level playing field, electoral justice, and democratic participation.

Overall, the meeting was marked by optimism, unity, and a shared determination to continue building a strong, credible, and nationally accepted political movement dedicated to good governance, national development, and democratic renewal.

The best is still ahead of us.

~ HSD

[Henry Seriake Dickson @iamHSDickson]

At today's Special National Convention of the NDC, after a motion was moved and a resolution passed unanimously, it was an honour and privilege, in the company of the National Chairman and other leaders of our party, to affirm His Excellency, Peter Obi, CON, as the NDC Presidential Flag Bearer of our great party.

It was an honour to have been asked to present the flag to him, which I did, assisted by the National Chairman of our party. As I stated at the convention, this affirmation is not merely a party exercise; it is a reflection of the confidence, trust, and hope that members of our party and millions of Nigerians have reposed in the NDC.

Significantly, while accepting the party’s nomination, he also announced his running mate for the 2027 presidential election in the person of His Excellency Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, CON. The announcement was received with enthusiasm by delegates and party members, who viewed the ticket as a strong demonstration of national unity, inclusiveness, and a shared commitment to national transformation.

I congratulate both His Excellency Peter Obi and His Excellency Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso on this historic milestone and assure them of the full support of the leadership, members, and stakeholders of our party as we work collectively towards a successful campaign and victory at the polls.

I thank our delegates, party officials, and members across the country for the peaceful and democratic manner in which they conducted themselves throughout the primary elections and the convention process. Let us remain united, focused, and committed to the ideals upon which our party was founded.

Together, we shall offer Nigerians a credible alternative and usher in a new era of hope, progress, and national renewal. May God bless our party and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

~HSD

[Henry Seriake Dickson @iamHSDickson]

Ongoing: NDC holds special convention for the affirmation of its presidential candidate in Abuja

[Henry Seriake Dickson @iamHSDickson]

Yesterday, preparations started leading to the conduct and conclusion of the primary elections today, and the presidential affirmation later today and tomorrow. I call for understanding and cooperation from all aspirants and stakeholders.

We have done our best in creating opportunities for stakeholders and aspirants to meet in various states to iron out issues. We are aware that periods of primary elections are often filled with tensions and clashes of interest, and we therefore call for understanding and mutual respect. Aspirants and stakeholders should put the overall interest of the party above personal interests.

All aspirants have equal protection, and that is why I have not endorsed anyone, even in my home state. The same principle applies across the country. I know that in some states the contest is fiercer than in others, but even in those circumstances, I urge everyone to put the interest of our party first.

Everyone should realise that we are a young party, barely three to four months old, but with great ambitions. Some of us, especially members of the leadership, have hardly had proper sleep since January. We have worked tirelessly every day, from morning till night, and under very difficult circumstances, to give life to our party and to meet the tight INEC deadlines. But God has been merciful, and Nigerians have been supportive.

Therefore, all those aspiring on our platform should understand the sacrifices that have been made, and we call on them also to make sacrifices in the interest of the party and the democracy of Nigeria.

There are no endorsed candidates anywhere. We enjoin everyone to go out and participate freely in the primaries. I call for free and fair elections. There should be respect for, and protection of, women, youths and the disabled during the primaries.

Where decisions are taken, even if they do not go down well with some aspirants, they should accept it in good faith or follow the party’s appelate process. As I have repeatedly stated, this will be the first and last primaries in the NDC to be conducted manually. Going forward, we shall have far fewer complaints of irregularities because of the deployment of electronic voting and the clear rules that will be formulated.

For now, this party is a miracle baby. It is a miracle that within such a short period we have achieved this milestone because of the hard work, dedication, and sacrifice of all of us. People should therefore protect and respect the party, even if the outcome does not favour them, because there is always another day.

Meanwhile, the party leadership will set up an Appeal Committee to listen to grievances and complaints that may arise from this exercise. We call on everyone to bear with the party regarding any inconveniences and shortcomings that may occur.

I wish all aspirants the very best of luck.

~HSD

[Henry Seriake Dickson @iamHSDickson]

It was a pleasure to warmly receive Distinguished Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, CFR, former Deputy Senate President, into our great party, alongside Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly.

I am also pleased to announce that the NDC has not only received them warmly but has equally granted them waivers to contest in the senatorial primaries in their respective districts tomorrow. I wish them both the very best of luck.

This development is the result of several weeks of consultations aimed at strengthening the foundations of our party in the South-South region and across the country.

I urge everyone to warmly welcome them into our fast-growing family and extend to them the fullest support and cooperation.

~HSD

[Henry Seriake Dickson @iamHSDickson]

After extensive hours of deliberations yesterday, which lasted till this morning, and in the company of the National Chairman of our party, our presidential aspirant, His Excellency Peter Obi, and other key members of the National Working Committee and Selection Committee, we received the report of the Screening Committee led by His Excellency, Sam Egwu.

We thank the committee for its painstaking work, which lasted almost a week, especially in handling the staggering number of aspirants that far exceeded our expectations. We also thank all the aspirants for their confidence in the NDC, as well as those who made donations to the party and chose our platform to express their political ambitions across the country. Their numbers run into thousands, and we wish them the very best.

Following a briefing at the joint meeting of the Selection Committee and the Screening Committee, and in view of the constraints of time, it was decided that all those who purchased Expression of Interest Forms would be allowed to participate in the primaries in their various constituencies.

Only successful candidates will report to the party secretariat for documentation and, in the process, pay for nomination forms and complete other necessary forms.

The teams for the primaries have been selected, comprising senior officials of the party, and have been deployed to every state to conduct the exercise with the support of stakeholders and local leaders. We wish them success in this important assignment.

Our party is women- and youth-friendly, and we urge the teams to pay attention to aspirants with the capacity to win elections. They should liaise with stakeholders and remain open and fair in protecting the interests of all aspirants because, at the end of the day, we are a platform for everyone.

We call for violence-free primaries and reiterate our zero tolerance for violent behaviour. The party will take serious action against anyone who resorts to violence, threats, intimidation, or disorderly conduct.

As a result of the tight timelines we are working with, aspirants are expected to proceed with the primaries from tomorrow, 28th and 29th May 2026, using their Expression of Interest Forms to enable them participate. An Appeal Panel will also be inaugurated to look into complaints that may arise during the process.

Note that, in line with the party guidelines, the primaries will be conducted through direct primaries at the constituency level for State Assembly positions, while House of Representatives, Senate, governorship, and presidential affirmations will take place at the various Local Government Headquarters.

Final results will be announced at the party’s National Secretariat by the Selection Committee and the NEC. We strongly recommend consensus where necessary.

We call for understanding and support because of the limited time available, which made it impossible for the party to fully implement the electronic system we had designed for all party primaries and congresses.

As I said at the dinner with aspirants, this will be the last primary election in the NDC to be conducted manually. We understand that the manual process may not be perfect due to time constraints and logistical challenges, and we ask everyone to bear with us. Our intentions are sincere, and future primaries will be conducted electronically to minimise complaints and other challenges.

Finally, we urge the teams to be fair to all aspirants, collaborate with stakeholders and interest groups, and work closely with INEC and security agencies to ensure a peaceful, credible, and transparent process.

Bear with us and join us as we strive to build an enduring modern political institution, not a special-purpose vehicle for any individual political interest, but a party that will outlast all of us.

NDC — Service!

~HSD

[Henry Seriake Dickson @iamHSDickson]

Lastly, I thanked all the aspirants for their sacrifices, particularly for travelling from different parts of the federation despite the prevailing insecurity and harsh economic conditions in the country. I assured them that all donations and support received by the party would be prudently and transparently utilized for the advancement of the NDC and its vision for Nigeria. I also informed them that the party’s communication platform, which will soon be launched, will ensure regular engagement and updates for aspirants, supporters, and stakeholders.

Once again, I thank all the aspirants for honouring the invitation and wished them safe journeys back to their various destinations.

-HSD

[Henry Seriake Dickson @iamHSDickson]

Last night, I attended a dinner meeting for Governorship and National Assembly aspirants of the NDC. In attendance was His Excellency Peter Obi, CON, while His Excellency Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso was unavoidably absent as he is currently in Kano State attending to important party matters ahead of the primaries.

In my remarks, I thanked all the aspirants for believing in the vision, ideals, and future of the NDC. I noted that when the party was founded, many people did not give us any chance, but by the grace of God, within a few months, the NDC has emerged as the fastest-growing political party and the most cohesive opposition platform in the country.

I also appreciated the sacrifices and commitment of party officials and members who have continued to work tirelessly for the growth of the party since its inception. In particular, I commended the Screening Committee led by His Excellency Senator Sam Egwu, former Governor, Minister, and Senator, alongside other respected and experienced members of the committee, for their hard work and dedication in carrying out the screening exercise for aspirants over the past week.

I thanked all aspirants for investing their confidence in me and in the party, as well as for the donations and support they have continued to make towards the growth and development of the NDC. I reiterated that the NDC is an innovative and forward-looking political party committed to building strong democratic institutions and internal processes.

I explained that the inauguration of the Selection Committee, chaired by the National Chairman alongside other party leaders, is part of the party’s effort to institutionalize credibility, consultation, and strategic planning within the nomination process. I told them that the committee would review reports from the Screening Committee, consult widely with stakeholders across constituencies and states, and make recommendations that take into account competence, local dynamics, and the overall interests of the party.

I further noted that, because of the shortness of time ahead of the elections, the party strongly encourages consensus arrangements among aspirants wherever possible in order to minimize rancour and strengthen unity within the party. However, where consensus cannot be achieved, the party will proceed with democratic primaries in line with its constitution and guidelines.

I reminded aspirants that only one candidate can eventually emerge for each office, but assured them that the party would not forget any individual who has made sacrifices and invested in the movement. I stated that the NDC is being built as an ideological and enduring political institution, comparable to successful long-standing political movements around the world, and not as a temporary platform for opportunistic and transactional politics.

I also disclosed that the party is compiling a comprehensive database of all aspirants and supporters who have contributed to the growth of the NDC. That they will continue to play active roles in the affairs of the party, beginning with the presidential campaign structure and other strategic committees that will soon be constituted.

I assured the aspirants that this would be the last primary election conducted through the largely manual process currently in use due to time constraints. I explained that the party is already working towards introducing modern electronic systems for future primary elections in order to improve transparency, efficiency, and credibility.