National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has expressed appreciation to his supporters across Bayelsa State, the Niger Delta and Nigeria, reaffirming his commitment to defending the country’s multi-party democratic system.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Dickson said he was grateful for the solidarity, encouragement and prayers he had received since founding the NDC, which he described as “the biggest national opposition party” in the country.

According to the former Bayelsa State governor, he has remained in Abuja for the past eight months after attending the funeral of a former deputy governor of the state in January, during which period he focused on establishing and building the party.

He said the NDC had grown through the support of party members, candidates and political partners, including the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Dickson thanked God for what he described as the party’s progress and also expressed appreciation to party officials, supporters and Nigerians across political affiliations for their confidence and commitment.

He reserved special appreciation for the people of Bayelsa West Senatorial District, whom he represents in the National Assembly, as well as the people of Bayelsa State, the Ijaw Nation and Nigerians who have continued to support him.

The senator maintained that Nigeria’s democracy and multi-party political system must be preserved, saying the party remained optimistic that ongoing legal issues affecting it would be resolved through due process.

According to him, the judiciary would uphold the rule of law and resist any attempt to undermine democratic institutions.

Despite his prolonged stay away from Bayelsa, Dickson said he had watched with satisfaction as more people continued to register with and participate in the activities of the NDC.

He also alleged that some individuals he had previously supported politically had turned against him by using government institutions to persecute political opponents and spread misinformation.

Without naming specific individuals, Dickson claimed that sustained propaganda and intimidation directed at him, his family and supporters over several years had failed to weaken their resolve.

He said one of the legacies he hoped to leave behind was the courage to defend principles above personal interests or political appointments, adding that governments should remain accountable to the people.

Dickson announced plans to return to Bayelsa in the coming weeks alongside the National Chairman of the NDC, Senator Moses Cleopas, to meet party supporters and express his appreciation personally.

He urged party members to embrace peaceful political participation centred on ideas rather than violence, saying the party would continue to advocate non-violent democratic engagement.

The former governor also called on young people, women, traditional rulers and community leaders to reject intimidation, participate peacefully in the democratic process and defend their votes during elections.

According to him, the party remains committed to promoting justice, accountability, the rule of law and credible elections.

Dickson further thanked members of the Bayelsa West caucus, party executives, youth and women leaders, traditional rulers and other stakeholders for what he described as their resilience and continued support.

Reflecting on his political career, he said he had overcome numerous political challenges over nearly two decades in public office and remained committed to serving the people of Bayelsa, the Ijaw Nation and Nigeria.

The statement represents Dickson’s position on recent political developments and his assessment of the status of the NDC. His claim that the party is Nigeria’s “biggest national opposition party” was not independently verified.