AD foundation members reunite, as Dickson hampers on need for national rebirth

By Jude Opara

National leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Sen. Henry Seriake Dickson, over the weekend convened a historic reunion of the old guards of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), with a call for national rebirth fashioned in the true democratic ideals.

The meeting also raised questions about a possible regrouping of Nigeria’s progressive opposition forces as the country gets set for the next general elections.

The gathering, held in Abuja, brought together distinguished veteran politicians who contributed in the building of the AD as one of the only three political parties in 1998 during the transition from military to democratic rule.

Dickson, a former governor of Bayelsa state who began his political career as founding State Chairman of the AD, later served as its National Legal Adviser before winning election as a member of the House of Representatives in 2007.

The reunion had in attendance some of the leading lights of the defunct AD including Chief Michael Odurinde who functioned as the father of the day, Professor Udenta Udenta, the founding National Secretary and Dr. Manzo Abubakar, former Protem National Publicity Secretary and leader of the AD Northern Caucus.

In an emotion laden speech, Dickson recalled the events that led to the formation of the party, adding that the sterling character and ideals of the political leaders then have become miles ahead of what present day politicians are exhibiting.

He further explained that he managed to grow politically because of the free hand given to him by the leaders, as well as his early involvement as a Niger Delta activist

“My experience in the AD and my involvement in the Ijaw and Niger Delta movements taught me the art of organising people and groups since 1998, and prepared me for a life of principled opposition politics.

“It takes conviction, courage, and a large heart to engage in the kind of politics I have practised over the years and continue to practise today in the NDC.”

Dickson further revealed that it was the AD that openly began the quest for the introduction of True Federalism, before some other political parties began to talk about it.

According to him, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) who has restructuring in their manifesto never truly believed in it, but only used it to deceive Nigerians to vote for them.

“It was the AD that first talked about true federalism in this country and all others who have been shouting restructuring never truly believed in it. The APC has restructuring in their manifesto, but they have never talked about it since winning election in 2015. They only used it to deceive Nigerians”.

At the end of a close door meeting, the group resolved to reconvene at a later date, with the charge on the organising committee to establish modalities to ensure that more people attend the future gatherings.

Nevertheless, political analysts strongly believe that the group would eventually endorse the principles of the NDC ahead of the 2027 general elections.