Senator Seriake Dickson has criticized the mass defection of PDP governors to the APC, warning it threatens Nigeria’s democracy.
He vowed to remain in the PDP and uphold multiparty political balance.
Senator Seriake Dickson, representing Bayelsa West, has condemned the rising number of defections by opposition governors to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), warning that the trend undermines Nigeria’s democracy and endangers the future of multiparty politics.
Speaking with journalists at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja on Wednesday, October 15, Dickson reaffirmed his commitment to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying he would never abandon the platform that has served his people and the nation.
“I remain where I have always been. I do not believe Nigeria should turn into a one-party state. Democracy thrives on diversity, and I remain loyal to the PDP,” he said.
The former Bayelsa governor expressed disappointment over the recent defections of several PDP governors, including Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Peter Mbah of Enugu, and Douye Diri of Bayelsa, who joined the APC shortly after Mbah’s move.
“It’s unfortunate. Rather than addressing the challenges within, they chose to walk away. This attitude diminishes our democracy and weakens the system of multiparty governance. What we are seeing is a form of political self-destruction,” Dickson stated.
He disclosed that Governor Diri had consulted him before leaving the PDP but said he found no convincing reason for the defection. “He reached out to me, but I did not see any justification to leave. I am still standing by the PDP, the party that enabled our people to produce a Vice President, an Acting President, and even a President. The APC cannot replicate that record,” he added.
Dickson maintained that joining the ruling party should not be an option for anyone genuinely committed to democratic principles. “If we fail to fix the PDP, we will find another way forward, but not by running to the APC. Democracy without a viable opposition easily slips into dictatorship,” he warned.
Describing himself as a “soldier of democracy,” Dickson vowed to continue advocating for plural political participation and to defend Nigeria’s democratic balance. The former governor, who handed over to Diri, reaffirmed his resolve to strengthen the opposition and preserve Nigeria’s multiparty system.
