The founder of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has called on the people of Bayelsa State to support the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in the 2027 general election, saying the NDC is committed to restoring the ideals of equity, justice and inclusive leadership in Nigeria.
Dickson made the appeal in a post shared on his X account on Monday while reflecting on his recent visit to Bayelsa State with Obi and other leaders of the party.
According to the former Bayelsa governor, it was his first visit to his home state and community, Toru-Orua, in a long time, having stayed away since the funeral of the late Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
He explained that after the funeral, he became fully occupied with the registration and building of the NDC, a process that has taken much of his time in recent months.
Dickson said he was pleased that Obi spent the day and evening in Bayelsa during the visit alongside the Director-General of the NDC National Campaign Council, Mallam Ibrahim Abdulkarim, and other party leaders.
He thanked the party’s National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, members of the National Working Committee, the Bayelsa State Executive, local government and ward officials, campaign team members and supporters for the warm reception.
The former governor also appreciated traditional rulers, chiefs, elders, youths, women, security agencies, musicians and media organisations that contributed to the success of the visit.
He said the delegation commissioned the NDC state secretariat after receiving a large welcome from party members and supporters.
Speaking during the visit, Dickson said, “I introduced our presidential candidate to the people of Bayelsa and urged them to support and vote for him, as he is contesting on the platform of the NDC, our party.”
He disclosed that a minute of silence was observed in honour of the late Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, adding, “I also called for a minute of silence in honour of the late Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, with whom I discussed the NDC after I decided on its formation. Just as I also mentioned it to the current Governor, advising him not to decamp to the APC.”
Dickson said he urged Bayelsans to preserve the legacy of Niger Delta political leaders, including Harold Dapabiriye, Chief Melford Okilo, Isaac Adaka Boro, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha and Pa Edwin Clark, noting that he also discussed the formation of the NDC with former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Highlighting the vision of the party, Dickson said, “The NDC represents a long tradition of political leadership founded on the struggle for equity, justice and an inclusive Nigeria.”
He added, “Our forebears understood that advancing the interests of our people also required building bridges of trust and understanding across the country. This is the tradition I have inherited and the responsibility I consider it my duty to sustain. I hope the younger generation will embrace this legacy of service, service with conviction for the betterment of all.”
