The political landscape shifted significantly on Thursday, as the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) movement saw another wave of defections, which included the wife of legendary music icon 2Baba, the Minority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, and several others from Edo and Gombe states.
In a meeting with the party, Senator Seriake Dickson, the national leader, called on party faithful and new members to remain steadfast in building a disciplined, ideological movement aimed at reshaping the nation’s political landscape.
Speaking in Abuja during a high-profile reception for new entrants from the two states, Dickson emphasized that the NDC is being structured as a long-term institution grounded in internal democracy.
He noted that the party’s growing national presence is a testament to its commitment to good governance, with a specific focus on increasing the participation of women and youth in leadership.
The ceremony recorded a significant boost for the NDC as several prominent figures formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Among the notable new members are the Minority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, Charity Aiguobarueghian, and fellow lawmaker, Natasha Osawaru Idibia.
They were joined by former Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Dr. John Yoriyo, and House of Representatives aspirant Dr. Donald Eboigbe. Dickson commended the defectors for their courage, stating that the alignment of such senior political figures proves that Nigerians are increasingly viewing the NDC as the primary platform for national unity and inclusive development.
Addressing the stakeholders, Senator Dickson explained that while the National Working Committee was occupied with final preparations for the party’s national convention this Saturday, the mission remains clear: to prioritize party interests over personal ambition.
He urged the new members to integrate strictly within existing constitutional provisions and state structures to ensure organizational stability.
Former lawmaker, Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma, echoed these sentiments, noting that the NDC’s momentum across all six geopolitical zones reflects a collective search for an alternative political platform capable of addressing Nigeria’s pressing economic and social challenges.
The event also featured powerful endorsements from activists and legal professionals. Edo Assembly Minority Leader, Aiguobarueghian, described the move as a matter of “collective conviction” following extensive consultations, while prominent stakeholder, Aisha Yesufu, hailed the movement as a turning point for the country.
Yesufu urged Nigerians to reclaim their destiny, expressing optimism that the NDC’s vision would eventually create a merit-based society where “the child of nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody.”
The reception concluded with the formal presentation of membership cards, signaling a strategic expansion of the party ahead of upcoming electoral cycles.
