By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) today expanded its political base following the defection of a former Deputy Governor of Gombe State, John Lazarus Yoriyo, two serving members of the Edo State House of Assembly and several influential political figures into the party during a high-profile gathering in Abuja.
The event, hosted by the National Leader of the NDC and former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Seriake Dickson, attracted politicians, civil society actors and supporters from different parts of the country, underscoring what party leaders described as the growing national appeal of the newly formed political platform.
Among the prominent defectors were the Minority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, Honourable Charity Aiguobarueghian, Honourable Natasha Idibia and other political stakeholders from Edo State.
The gathering also drew notable personalities including activist Aisha Yesufu, former Zamfara senator Kabiru Marafa and renowned music star Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Face Idibia.
Addressing the gathering, Senator Dickson said the NDC was founded to provide a credible alternative capable of restoring ideology, responsible leadership and internal democracy to Nigeria’s political space.
He stated that the party was determined to build a lasting political institution driven by national interest rather than personal ambition or transactional politics.
“This party is not a platform for transactional politics. We want to institutionalize a political movement that will outlive all of us, a party for our children and grandchildren,” Dickson said.
The former governor expressed concern over what he described as the steady decline of Nigeria’s political institutions, blaming internal conflicts and selfish interests for weakening many established parties.
“What happened to Nigeria’s political heritage? Today, we are witnessing the dismantling of political institutions by those who should preserve them,” he added.
Dickson maintained that the NDC remained open to Nigerians from diverse political backgrounds who are committed to rebuilding the country and strengthening democratic values.
Speaking on his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Honourable Aiguobarueghian described the move as painful but inevitable due to the lingering crisis within the opposition party.
According to him, the prolonged internal disputes within the PDP had undermined the party’s stability and future.
“A captain will not remain in a sinking ship so that he will perish with it. That will not be heroism; that will be cowardice,” he stated.
The Edo lawmaker further accused selfish political interests of crippling the PDP and weakening its relevance.
He also highlighted some of his legislative achievements, noting that he facilitated the passage of 44 bills within less than two years and executed constituency projects including schools, transformers and water schemes across communities in Edo State.
Aiguobarueghian added that there had been increasing calls for him to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives.
Also speaking, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the NDC, Honourable Abdulmumin Abdusalam, described the ceremony as a major milestone for the party, noting that the NDC had continued to attract prominent politicians and stakeholders nationwide.
“Our party is like the beautiful bride every groom wants right now,” Abdusalam said.
He disclosed that more governors, former governors, lawmakers and political actors were expected to join the party in the coming weeks.
Abdusalam also dismissed claims that the party had already reserved its presidential ticket for the South in favour of Peter Obi, insisting that consultations were still ongoing.
“Politics is dynamic. We have not zoned the presidency to the South. Consultations are ongoing and all scenarios are possible,” he stated.
Meanwhile, 2Face Idibia urged Nigerians to make informed political decisions and hold elected leaders accountable for governance and development.
“We want to see results. Everybody should use their conscience and understanding to make the right choices,” the entertainer said.
Observers at the event described the increasing wave of defections into the NDC as a sign of growing dissatisfaction with mainstream political parties and an indication of possible realignments ahead of future elections.
