NDC National Leader Receives Decamped APC Youths

The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has received a delegation of defecting youths from the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing their decision as a major step toward building an inclusive and ideology-driven political system.

Speaking at the reception in Abuja, Senator Dickson commended the youths for their courage and praised the group’s spokesperson for what he called one of the most articulate speeches delivered by young political actors in recent times.

He said the NDC remains open to all Nigerians, especially youths and women who have felt marginalized within their former political platforms.

The former Governor of Bayelsa State said the youths’ grievances were legitimate, noting that many young APC members had been sidelined despite their commitment to the party.

Senator Dickson explained that the NDC was established to provide an ideology-based alternative, rather than a coalition focused solely on capturing power.

He stressed that any political party without ideology risks collapsing once it assumes office, which is why the NDC places emphasis on principles, values, and accountability.

Reaffirming the party’s direction, Senator Dickson highlighted the NDC’s policy of youth and women inclusion across its national, state, and ward structures.

He announced that the party would organise mentorship programmes to build the leadership capacity of young people and women.

The NDC leader also introduced a number of young leaders already occupying strategic roles in the party, including state chairpersons and national executives.

He noted that the NDC currently has women serving as state chairpersons, a development he said distinguishes the party from others in the country.

Senator Dickson said more prominent women leaders from across Nigeria have indicated interest in joining the NDC and will be formally received soon.

He encouraged the defecting youths to integrate fully into the party structure and assured them of support as they deploy their skills and experience for national development.

Earlier, the leader of the defecting group and former APC youth organiser, Nasir Lawal, announced that the group’s decision followed widespread consultations across states and the FCT.

Lawal said many APC members had become “internally displaced” within the party due to the exclusion of youths and women and the takeover of party structures by political elites.

He added that the APC had shifted focus from addressing insecurity and economic hardship to early preparations for the 2027 elections.

Lawal said the defectors were joining the NDC because it represents political reform, internal democracy and genuine citizen engagement, pledging their commitment to strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 polls.

Georgina Humphrey, Edited By Grace Namiji