Public affairs analyst Mahmud Jega has lauded former Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson for choosing to establish the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) rather than defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC). During an appearance on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’ program on Wednesday, Jega remarked that the NDC has rapidly gained a substantial following in a brief period, highlighting Dickson’s brave move.
Jega observed that the NDC has swiftly emerged as one of the three leading political parties since its formation. He stated, ‘It took immense courage for him to take this step. Typically, politicians leaving opposition parties gravitate toward the APC, drawn by its perceived strong structure and financial resources. But Dickson opted for a different route. Instead of joining the APC, he built an opposition party from scratch—a truly bold decision.’
The analyst also commended Dickson’s ability to rally many individuals to support and sustain the new party. Jega added, ‘He made a crucial point by asserting that democracy cannot thrive without a viable opposition.’ Jega’s comments underscore the significance of Dickson’s move in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.