Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, the former Governor of Bayelsa State, has called on Nigerians to dismiss "propaganda" regarding the formation of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). In a detailed statement released via his official X handle on Monday, Dickson reaffirmed the party’s legitimacy, citing a documented registration history that dates back nearly a decade.

Setting the Record Straight on Registration

Addressing recent scrutiny over the party's emergence, Dickson clarified that the NDC is not a sudden creation but a project years in the making. He revealed that the initial registration process began in 2017 and received preliminary approval from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before the process was temporarily halted.

"For the record, when party registration resumed last year, we revisited and updated our earlier application," Dickson stated.

To support this claim, the Senator referenced archival materials, including records of a 2017 search for the party’s "V-sign" logo, intended to prove the long-standing vision behind the movement.

Building an "Ideological Institution"

Dickson framed the NDC as more than a mere electoral vehicle, describing it as an ideological movement designed for long-term institutional stability. He drew parallels to iconic global political entities, expressing a desire to see the NDC mirror the structural endurance of the African National Congress (ANC) in South Africa, as well as established parties in Europe, India, and the United States.

Key Pillars of the NDC Vision:

• Sustainability: Built to outlive its founding members and serve future generations.

• Inclusivity: A specific focus on the mentorship and active participation of youth and women.

• Grassroots Strength: Leveraging a "powerful convergence" of experienced political actors and grassroots leaders to build a truly national platform.

A Call to Action Amidst Political "Distractions"

Acknowledging that an ambitious political project would naturally attract "rumors, gossip, and blackmail," the former Governor urged supporters to remain undeterred by external pressures. He emphasized that the party’s primary goal is to provide a platform for ordinary and vulnerable citizens, rather than just the political elite.

“That trust has been the most important currency driving the party from its early days up until now,” Dickson noted, specifically highlighting the recent addition of prominent political allies to the fold.

Closing his statement with a plea for national mobilization, Dickson invited Nigerians to join and register with the NDC to contest elections and contribute to the country’s future. "Together, let us reclaim and rebuild our country," he concluded.