National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has declared that the party has evolved into Nigeria’s foremost opposition platform, attributing its rapid growth to the support of Nigerians determined to preserve multi-party democracy.

In a statement released on Thursday through his verified X account, the former Bayelsa State governor expressed gratitude to supporters across Bayelsa, the Niger Delta and the Nigerian diaspora for standing by him during what he described as a defining period in the country’s political evolution.

Dickson revealed that he had remained away from his home state for eight months after attending the funeral of a former deputy governor in January, choosing instead to concentrate on laying the foundation of the NDC as a nationwide political movement.

According to him, the party was painstakingly built with contributions from Nigerians across political, ethnic and regional divides, including its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and running mate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

He said the emergence of the NDC reflects growing public demand for a credible opposition capable of deepening democratic competition and offering Nigerians an alternative vision of governance.

Without naming anyone, Dickson alleged that some politicians he once mentored had turned state institutions against him, accusing them of orchestrating years of intimidation, propaganda and political harassment.

Despite those experiences, he said he remained optimistic that Nigeria’s judiciary would protect constitutional democracy and resist any attempt to manipulate the legal process for partisan ends.

“The survival of our multi-party democracy depends on institutions that are guided by the Constitution and the rule of law,” he said.

Dickson disclosed that he would soon return to Bayelsa alongside the party’s National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, to personally thank supporters who, he said, remained steadfast despite his prolonged absence.

He urged Nigerians, particularly young people and women, to reject violence and intimidation in politics, advocating campaigns driven by ideas, accountability and respect for democratic values.

The senator also encouraged citizens to use the electoral process to remove leaders who, in his words, have betrayed the public trust, insisting that meaningful change can only come through peaceful democratic participation.

Reflecting on his political career, Dickson said he had weathered numerous political storms over the past two decades, including investigations and attempts to undermine his influence, but maintained that his faith and commitment to public service had remained unshaken.

He reaffirmed his resolve to continue building the NDC into a formidable national platform dedicated to justice, constitutionalism, transparent governance and credible elections, arguing that Nigeria’s democracy can only flourish when citizens are presented with a strong and effective opposition.