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.

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The governor disclosed that N111 billion was appropriated for capital projects alone just as he charged the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAS) to ensure strict implementation of the budget and fast track the processes of award of contracts.

Dickson declared that his administration was committed to completing most of the ongoing projects this year, while explaining that recurrent expenditures such as salaries, pensions, gratuities and overhead would gulp N132.2billion and assured the people that, the government would comply strictly with the provisions of the budget.

He commended the workers for their understanding and patience and promised to work out modalities on the payment of the backlog of salary arrears.

On the Educational Development Trust Fund, Governor Dickson hinted that certain aspects of the law needed to be amended to include the elevation of the qualification of the Secretary of the Board to the level of a Director in the public service.

While presenting the bills, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Benson Konbowei, said the N243.2 billion, total personnel ex-penditure, including gratuities and pensions was N52.5 billion.

The post Bayelsa Gov., Dickson signs N243.2bn 2017 Appropriation Bill into law. first appeared on MegaIcon Magazine.

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