Ex-AD leaders reunite in Abuja as Dickson calls for national rebirth

By Jude Opara

Sen. Henry Seriake Dickson, National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), hosted a historic reunion over the weekend in Abuja, bringing together foundational members of the defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD).

The gathering called for a national rebirth anchored on true democratic ideals and sparked speculation about a potential alignment of progressive opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Abuja meeting featured key figures from the 1998 military-to-civilian transition era, including Chief Michael Odurinde (Father of the Day), Professor Udenta Udenta (founding National Secretary), and Dr. Manzo Abubakar (former Protem National Publicity Secretary and leader of the AD Northern Caucus).

Recalling his tenure as the founding Bayelsa State Chairman and later National Legal Adviser of the AD, Dickson credited the party’s early leadership with shaping his commitment to principled opposition politics.

Dickson asserted that the AD pioneered the national campaign for true federalism.

He criticized the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), alleging that although restructuring was featured in its manifesto, the party used the promise to secure votes in 2015 without genuine intent to implement it.

He emphasized that the character and selflessness demonstrated by early Fourth Republic leaders remain far superior to the practices observed in contemporary Nigerian politics.

Following a closed-door session, the participants resolved to reconvene at a later date, charging the organizing committee to expand outreach for subsequent meetings.

Political analysts observe that the gathering signals a broader effort to consolidate progressive elements under the NDC banner ahead of the upcoming electoral cycle.