Former governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West), has formally resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and announced the formation of a new political platform, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), warning that Nigeria risks drifting towards a one-party state if urgent steps are not taken to strengthen democratic competition.

This was as the National Working Committee (NWC) of All Progressives Congress (APC) postponed the party’s ward, local council and state congresses in Zamfara State till further notice.

While addressing supporters, political associates and stakeholders, Dickson explained that his decision followed months of consultations and deep reflection on the state of the country’s democracy as well as the internal challenges confronting the PDP.

According to him, the creation of NDC is aimed at mobilising Nigerians across political divides who are concerned about the future of the country’s democratic system and who believe in the need for a strong, credible alternative in the nation’s political landscape.

“We cannot sit back and watch the country drift into what is effectively a one-party state. Democracy thrives on strong opposition, healthy debate and credible alternatives, and that is what we intend to build,” he said.

The senator said the development of the new political platform was not merely a reaction to the crisis within the PDP, but part of a broader effort to strengthen democratic institutions and restore confidence in Nigeria’s political process.

According to the former governor, Nigeria’s democracy requires vibrant political competition, responsible leadership and active participation by citizens who are committed to preserving the principles of accountability, transparency and good governance.

Dickson noted that the NDC would provide a platform for Nigerians who feel politically marginalised or excluded from the existing structures of power, while also offering a new vision for national development.

The former governor expressed concern about the gradual weakening of opposition politics in the country, warning that such a trend could undermine democratic accountability and weaken the checks and balances necessary for effective governance.

APC formally notified the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the suspension in a letter dated March 2, 2026.

The correspondence signed by the APC National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, and the National Secretary, Senator Surajudeen Basiru, stated that the decision followed “ongoing consultations and the need to conclude certain preparatory and administrative processes to ensure the orderly, transparent and credible conduct of the congresses in the state.”

According to the letter, the only process approved to hold in Zamfara is the election of three-man delegates from each local council to participate in the party’s upcoming National Convention.

Meanwhile, fresh political manoeuvres by former Minister of Defence, Muhammed Abubakar, have reignited speculation in Jigawa over a possible defection from APC to African Democratic Congress (ADC), despite his earlier public denials.