![Dr Muhammad Ali Pate, CEO of Gavi Alliance. [PHOTO CREDIT: Twitter handle of Atiku Abubakar]](https://i0.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2023/02/Dr-Muhammad-Ali-Pate.jpeg?fit=1080%2C720&ssl=1)
Bayelsa West Senator, Seriake Dickson, has denied reports that he has resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC)..
Mr Dickson, a former governor of Bayelsa State, said he remains a member of the PDP and would consult widely before taking any political decision.
|
|
The lawmaker made this known in a statement issued on Friday by his media aide, Ajiri Daniels, to debunk reports circulating on social media that he had joined the ADC.
Mr Dickson is one of the most vocal opposition figures in the Senate. On several occasions, he has openly challenged the policies of President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
|
|
|
|---|
One notable instance was during the debate and approval of emergency rule in Rivers State by the National Assembly in March 2025. Mr Dickson had described the action as undemocratic and staged a walkout from the Senate chamber before the resolution was adopted.
Speaking to journalists at the Senate Press Centre in October last year, the senator said he would never join the ruling APC, even if he were to leave the PDP.
In recent days, reports have circulated on social media suggesting that Mr Dickson had joined a coalition movement aimed at unseating President Tinubu and the APC.
Within the PDP’s national structure, the lawmaker is perceived to be aligned with the Umar Damagum-led faction, which handed over leadership to the Kabiru Turaki-led NWC in November 2025.
Mourning period
Mr Dickson explained that he has temporarily stepped back from political activities due to the death of the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who passed away in December, 2025.
The senator said the decision was taken as a mark of respect for the late deputy governor, noting that he has been receiving condolence visits from friends, political leaders, allies, and well-wishers from across the country.
“The senator explained that he is presently in mourning following the death of the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Dr. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo. He noted that, as a mark of respect, he has since stepped back from political activities during this period of mourning and has been busy receiving condolence visits from friends, political leaders, allies and well wishers all over the country. These visitors cut across political leaders from different political parties and persons from all spheres of life,” the statement said.
Mr Dickson added that after the burial rites of the late deputy governor, he would resume political engagements and consult widely with friends and political allies before making any decision
“While noting that he is keenly following developments in the political space, Senator Dickson assured that after the burial, he will consult widely with friends and political allies across the country before taking any decision, which will be formally announced. But in the meantime he still remains a key leader in the PDP, hoping that the party will get its act right in view of its legacy contribution to Nigerian politics,” the statement added.
He urged members of the public, party faithful, and supporters to disregard reports claiming that he has defected to the ADC.
Last year, Mr Dickson’s successor, Governor Douye Diri, dumped the PDP for the ADC.
However, Mr Ewhrudjakpo, who was Mr Dickson’s politicall ally refused to follow his principal to the APC before his sudden death last month.
Discover more from Premium Times Nigeria
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
