Senator Seriake Dickson condemns political defections in Nigeria, warning they threaten democracy, weaken opposition, and endanger the country’s multiparty political structure.
Senator Seriake Dickson, representing Bayelsa West in the National Assembly, has strongly criticized the rising tide of political defections in Nigeria, calling it a tragic mockery of democracy and a dangerous blow to multiparty politics.
The lawmaker warned that the ongoing wave of defections from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) could push the country toward a one-party system, which, he said, is contrary to the ideals of true democracy.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, October 15, at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, Dickson reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing it as the platform that gave Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta region immense political opportunities over the years.
He insisted that political loyalty should not be traded for convenience or personal gain.
“I am where I have always been. I don’t believe Nigeria should become a one-party state,” he said.
“As a democrat, I understand that politics comes with ups and downs, but I remain constant and steadfast in the PDP.”
The senator expressed deep concern over what he called a disturbing pattern of defections among opposition governors. He particularly mentioned Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Peter Mbah of Enugu, and most recently, Duoye Diri of Bayelsa State, who announced his defection to the APC barely 24 hours after Mbah’s own move.
According to Dickson, these developments not only weaken the opposition but also distort the political landscape, eroding citizens’ faith in democratic values.
“It’s very sad. Instead of resolving internal conflicts, they allow the problems to fester and later jump ship. This makes Nigeria look politically immature, ridicules our democracy, and endangers multiparty politics. What we are witnessing is nothing less than political class suicide,” he stated.
He argued that the rate of political defections in Nigeria undermines the principle of accountability, as many elected officials switch allegiance without consulting their electorates or providing justifiable reasons. In his view, such actions reflect an unhealthy obsession with power rather than a commitment to governance or service.
Senator Dickson disclosed that Governor Duoye Diri, who succeeded him as Bayelsa governor, consulted him several times before crossing to the APC. However, Dickson said he found the reasons advanced for the move unconvincing and politically weak.
“To his credit, he consulted me. But I did not see any compelling reason to defect,” Dickson explained.
“I am still standing where I have always stood—with the PDP—the same party that gave my people the opportunity to produce a Vice President, an Acting President, and even a President of the Federal Republic. The APC cannot offer that kind of history or connection to our people.”
The senator said the defection of key PDP leaders signals a crisis of ideology within the nation’s political system. He lamented that many politicians now view politics merely as a route to personal advantage rather than as a vehicle for national service and transformation.
“Loyalty should not be about convenience. If our goal is to strengthen democracy, then commitment to one’s political platform should not be negotiable,” he said.
Dickson emphasized that defecting to the ruling party should never be an option for genuine democrats. He warned that Nigeria’s political stability depends on the existence of vibrant opposition parties that can provide checks and balances.
“If we fail to save the PDP, then we will collectively decide the next step, but certainly not by joining the APC,” he warned.
“A democracy without opposition is nothing but a dictatorship in disguise.”
He added that Nigeria’s founding fathers envisioned a country governed by the rule of law, where political diversity would serve as a source of strength rather than division. The senator urged all patriotic Nigerians to defend the principle of political plurality and to resist any attempt to transform the country into a one-party state.
According to Dickson, the current wave of political defections in Nigeria shows the urgent need for electoral and constitutional reforms that can make party switching less attractive.
He suggested that laws should be strengthened to ensure that politicians who defect without valid justification lose their mandates, as is already captured in constitutional provisions.
Describing himself as a “soldier of democracy,” Dickson vowed to continue fighting for Nigeria’s democratic survival and political balance. As a former governor who handed over to one of the defecting governors, he said his mission remains the protection of democratic institutions and the promotion of strong opposition voices in governance.
“My life’s work has been about strengthening democracy and ensuring that Nigeria remains a country where multiple voices are heard. Democracy thrives on diversity, not uniformity,” he emphasized.
He noted that his experience as governor taught him the importance of tolerance, inclusivity, and respect for differing political opinions.
According to him, these are the very principles being eroded by the ongoing spate of defections, where political alignment is dictated by access to federal resources rather than by ideological conviction.
“I will continue to stand for justice, balance, and accountability. We must restore confidence in party politics and encourage the next generation of leaders to stay true to their principles,” he declared.
Senator Dickson concluded by appealing to Nigerians, especially young politicians, to recognize the dangers that unchecked political defections in Nigeria pose to democracy.
He urged them to remain steadfast in defending their political beliefs and to work towards strengthening party structures rather than abandoning them at the slightest challenge.
“Nigeria’s democracy can only survive if we all protect it. Defections driven by personal ambition destroy public trust and weaken the democratic process. The time has come for political rebirth and ideological discipline,” he said.
His remarks come at a critical time in Nigeria’s political journey, as increasing defections continue to blur the line between government and opposition.
Political analysts have warned that if the trend persists, it could cripple Nigeria’s democratic competitiveness and concentrate excessive power in the hands of the ruling elite.
Senator Seriake Dickson’s position reinforces the urgent need for introspection within Nigeria’s political class. His call serves as a reminder that democracy thrives when there are competing ideas, not when political conformity becomes the norm. As political defections in Nigeria intensify, the challenge remains how to restore ideological consistency, strengthen party institutions, and protect the nation’s fragile democratic gains.
More news at ireport247news
About The Author
