By Henry Umoru

ABUJA — Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the National Leader of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, has formally received defectors from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and Labour Party (LP) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Addressing journalists after the event on Friday, the former Bayelsa State governor described the development as part of a broader political realignment across the country aimed at preventing Nigeria from drifting into a one-party state.

Dickson confirmed that the entire leadership structure of the SDP in the FCT had collapsed into the NDC, calling the move both symbolic and strategic.

“The state chairman, the FCT chairman of SDP and its entire structure — executives, local government chairmen, ward chairmen and other officials — have all joined and have been fully integrated,” he said.

He added that the wave of defections was not limited to the FCT, noting that similar developments were ongoing in other states.

“What you are seeing in the FCT is happening across the country. This is not a regional movement; it is national,” he said.

The event also featured the formal defection of Abuja-based politician, Barrister Amanda Pam, whose entry into the NDC drew strong reactions from party supporters.

Commenting on the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the ongoing crisis within the ADC, Dickson cautioned against any attempt to weaken opposition parties, warning that such actions could undermine Nigeria’s democratic foundations.

“We are against Nigeria becoming a one-party state. Our country is too large and too diverse for that. There can be no democracy without opposition,” he said.

Drawing from Nigeria’s political history, he stressed the importance of restraint in leadership.

“Even when the PDP produced successive presidents, none attempted to turn Nigeria into a one-party state. Leadership is about restraint in the exercise of power.”

He further warned that actions perceived as political interference could damage public trust in key institutions.

“The impression of pressure, manipulation or inducement — whether real or perceived — is dangerous to our institutions, especially INEC. Its independence must not only exist but must also be seen to exist,” he added.

Dickson emphasized that democracy thrives on competition, noting that Nigeria needs both a strong ruling party and a vibrant opposition.

“A threat to one opposition party is a threat to all. State institutions — judicial, security or electoral — must not be used in party matters,” he said.

Formally welcoming the defectors, he described their entry into the NDC as a symbol of renewed political commitment.

“Today, I receive you and present to you our membership card — a symbol of victory. Victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and victory for Nigeria,” he said, adding that “power must be for service.”

In her remarks, Amanda Pam, a former Deputy National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Mandate Secretary for Health in the FCT under Muhammadu Buhari, said her decision to join the NDC followed extensive consultations with stakeholders across Abuja.

“We have been consulting widely on the need to join the NDC, and many believe it represents the way forward,” she said.

Highlighting her contributions to healthcare development in the FCT, Pam pointed to the establishment of hospitals and rural health centres during her tenure as evidence of her grassroots impact.

She expressed confidence in the party’s electoral prospects, stating that the NDC would engage directly with voters through grassroots mobilization.

Also speaking, NDC FCT leader Alhaji Harun Pai described Pam as a formidable grassroots mobiliser with significant political influence in Abuja, expressing confidence that her entry would strengthen the party’s presence.

Dickson reiterated that the NDC is built on inclusivity and national cohesion, offering a platform free from ethnic, religious, or regional bias.

“This movement is for all Nigerians — a new style of politics anchored on service, unity, development and peace,” he said.

Pai added that the party remains open to Nigerians dissatisfied with existing political structures, describing the NDC as “a safe haven” for those seeking an alternative platform.