The Senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, on Thursday announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring that he had joined the newly registered Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

Dickson, a former governor of Bayelsa State, made the announcement during a media briefing in Abuja, attributing his decision to what he described as irreconcilable differences within the PDP.

The lawmaker said the emergence of the NDC would strengthen Nigeria’s democratic system by providing a credible opposition platform.

According to him, the party recently received its certificate of registration from the Independent National Electoral Commission.

He said, “Last week INEC issued a certificate of registration and we now have the newest party in Nigeria known as the Nigeria Democratic Congress and our symbol is victory, the victory sign.

“So, my dear Nigerians, you now have a credible alternative opposition party known as the Nigeria Democratic Congress.”

Dickson noted that although the party’s registration took longer than expected, its eventual approval was a welcome development for the country’s democratic landscape.

“Yes, it is coming at this time. We would have wished it started some years or months back. We don’t control INEC and their processes; they delayed. We don’t also control the judiciary, but thank God it has finally arrived,” he said.

The senator also stressed that Nigeria’s democracy must not slide into a one-party system, insisting that political diversity remained vital for national stability.

“This nation cannot be a one-party state. Nigeria cannot be a one-party state. Nigeria is not designed to be a one-party state.

“We are a very diverse nation culturally, religiously and politically and that is the beauty of our country.

“So anyone or any party promoting one-party rule in Nigeria is mistaken. We build political parties and get involved in movements to access power for the good of the people, not for our personal benefit,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission recently announced the registration of two new political parties.

The parties are the Democratic Leadership Alliance and the Nigeria Democratic Congress, bringing the total number of registered political parties in Nigeria to 21.

The announcement was made by the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, during the commission’s first quarterly consultative meeting with political party stakeholders for 2026.

According to him, the Democratic Leadership Alliance completed the required verification process, while the Nigeria Democratic Congress was registered in compliance with a Federal High Court order.

The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and member representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has congratulated the newly elected State Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State.

The party, at its state congress held on Tuesday at Liberty Stadium, Ibadan, elected a former Deputy Governor of the state, Moses Alake Adeyemo, as its new chairman alongside other state executive members.

Oseni, in a statement on Wednesday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, described Adeyemo’s emergence as well-deserved, noting that his experience and longstanding commitment to the party would further strengthen its structure in the state.

He said the peaceful conduct of the congress demonstrated the party’s commitment to internal democracy and progressive leadership.

The statement said, “I congratulate our newly elected State Chairman and leader, His Excellency, Moses Alake Adeyemo, and other members of the State Executive Committee on their emergence. This victory reflects the confidence reposed in them by party members across the state.”

Oseni further expressed confidence that the new leadership would reposition the party for greater cohesion and electoral success.

According to him, “This is a critical moment for our party in Oyo State. It calls for unity, reconciliation, and renewed commitment to the ideals that bind us together as progressives.”

The federal lawmaker assured the new executives of his support and cooperation in advancing the programmes of the party and strengthening its grassroots structures.

He urged party members to rally behind the new leadership to ensure stability and secure future victories for the APC in the state.

A former deputy governor of Oyo State, Moses Alake Adeyemo, has emerged as the new chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

Adeyemo was announced as chairman at the party’s state congress held at the Liberty Stadium, Ibadan, on Tuesday.

It was also witnessed by representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The announcement was made by Afeez Bolaji Repete, a former Deputy National Youth Leader of the party and secretary of the APC ad hoc zoning committee, under the supervision of the congress committee constituted by the party’s national leadership in Abuja.

Adeyemo was favoured to emerge as chairman following consultations among key stakeholders.

Ahead of the exercise, party leaders across the 33 local government areas agreed on a zoning formula to ensure equitable distribution of positions in the State Executive Committee.

The committee was chaired by Fatai Ibikunle, with Repete serving as secretary, while other members included Idris Adeoye, Adesoji Adedeji, Ajiboye Sangogade, and Akeem Olatunji.

Adeyemo, an indigene of Igboho in Oorelope Local Government Area, served as deputy governor under the late former governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi, between 2011 and 2019.

Others elected are Wasiu Olawale Sadare who was returned as Publicity Secretary of the party.

Oyo APC New Executives Members

1. H.E. Moses Alake. Chairman

2. Dr. Taofeek Lamidi Deputy Chairman

3. Barr. Fatai Adesina Secretary

4. Hon. Lukman Owonikoko Assistant Secretary

5. Dr. Joshua Oyebamiji Oyo Central Senatorial Chairman

6. Hon. Mojeed Delesolu Oyo South Senatorial Chairman

7. Hon. Tunde Oloyede Oyo North Senatorial Chairman

8. Barr. Aborisade Sunday Legal Adviser

9. Hon. Saheed Adeagbo Assistant Legal Adviser

10. Hon. Lateef Ajiboye Treasurer

11. Hon. Saliu Dauda Adisa Assistant Treasurer

12. Hon. Akanbi Tunde Financial Secretary

13. Hon. Wale Adebayo Assistant Financial Secretary

14. Hon. Remi Adepoju Organising Secretary

15. Chief Jide Leke Assistant Organising Secretary

16. Hon. Olawale Sadare Publicity Secretary

17. Fafunmi Mathew Assistant Publicity Secretary

18. Kamaldeen Nageri Assistant Welfare

19. Mrs. Tinuade Adigun Auditor

20. Hon. Christopher Idowu Assistant Auditor

21. Mrs Felicia Opatunde Women Leader

22. Hon. Fatima Hassan Dep. Women Leader

23. Hon. Glory Olalekan Youth Leader

24. Hon. Sayo Fatoki Assistant Youth Leader

25. Jimoh Osundare Physically Challenged

26. Olalekan Olowe Oyo South Senatorial Youth Leader

27. Imran Ayinde Olona Oyo North Senatorial Youth Leader

28. Mrs Oyebode Yetunde Oyo North Senatorial Women Leader

29. Mrs. Adefunke Adeoye Oyo Central Senatorial Women Leader

30. Mrs. Mojibade Adetona Oyo South Senatorial Women Leader

31. Akanmu Adebowale Ex- Officio

32. Ejalonibu Fatai Aremu Ex- Officio

33. Asimiyu Kolawole Ex- Officio

34. Odeyemi Simon Oladoyinbo Ex officio