The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has formally received a delegation of defecting youths from the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing their move as a significant step toward rebuilding a more inclusive and ideology-driven political system.
Speaking at the reception ceremony in Abuja, Senator Dickson praised the youths for their bold decision and commended the spokesperson of the group for what he described as “one of the most moving and well-crafted speeches ever delivered by young political actors in Nigeria.”
He noted that the NDC remains open to all Nigerians, especially young people and women who have felt marginalized in their former political platforms.
“On behalf of the leadership of the NDC, it is our pleasure to receive you home,” he said.
“Young people like you give this country hope. From your remarks, it is clear you are experienced, patriotic, and committed to national service.”
The former Governor of Bayelsa State said the youths’ grievances were valid, stressing that many young members of the APC had been disappointed and sidelined despite their contributions.
He added that the ruling party had not only failed its youth and women, but had also let down the entire Nigerian public and even its founding members.
Senator Dickson explained that the formation of the NDC was driven by the need for an ideology-based political movement, rather than a coalition focused solely on winning power.
“If a government is replaced without ideology, it is only a matter of time before the system collapses again,” he said. “This is why we chose the NDC path—built on agreed principles, values, and accountability.”
Highlighting the NDC’s policy direction, Senator Dickson reaffirmed the party’s commitment to youth and women inclusion.
He said the party had already implemented policies ensuring that young people occupy key positions across national, state, and ward structures.
He also announced plans for mentorship workshops targeted at youths and women to strengthen their leadership capacity.
The NDC leader introduced several young leaders already holding significant positions within the party, including state chairpersons, national executives, and key mobilisers.
He also noted that the party has women serving as state chairpersons—an achievement he said no other party currently matches.
Senator Dickson stated that the NDC will soon receive more prominent women leaders from across the country who have indicated interest in joining the party.
He encouraged the defecting youths to integrate fully into the party’s structures at all levels, assuring them of support as they contribute their skills, experience, and patriotism to national development.
“We are encouraged by your courage and inspired by your testimony,” he said. “With young people like you, Nigeria has a future.”
Earlier the Leader of the group of former members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Nasir Lawal announced their defection to the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), citing growing internal dissatisfaction and policy disconnect within the ruling party.
Lawal noted that the decision followed extensive consultations with grassroots leaders and support groups across the states and the Federal Capital Territory.
He said many loyal party members had become “internally displaced” within the APC, alleging widespread exclusion of youth and women, dominance of political elites, and the hijacking of support structures by sitting and former governors, senators and business interests.
Lawal expressed concern that pressing national issues such as insecurity and economic hardship were being overshadowed by the APC’s early focus on election planning for 2027 instead of addressing urgent policy challenges affecting citizens.
He also criticised what he described as extravagant spending of campaign funds abroad by party elites, while committed members struggled to access basic support.
The high cost of nomination forms, he added, had made political participation difficult for young aspirants.
According to him, even religious institutions had become drawn into partisan politics, contributing to confusion among grassroots supporters.
He said the group chose the NDC to align with a party they believe is committed to political reform, internal democracy and broader citizen engagement.
He commended the National Leader of the NDC, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, and the national leadership for receiving them at a time when confidence in their former party was diminishing.
Lawal said the defectors would contribute to campaign strategy, policy formulation and voter mobilisation as the NDC strengthens its preparations for the 2027 general elections.
