Sen Dickson Slams Ally Dr. Ardo Over “Sponsored Propaganda” Against NDC, Defends Court-Backed Registration

By Emmanuel Kwada

In a strongly worded statement, Senator Dickson, founder and national leader of the newly registered National Democratic Congress (NDC), has accused his longtime friend and political ally, Dr. Umar Ardo, of orchestrating “misguided and sponsored propaganda” against the party, describing the attacks as shocking and a betrayal of friendship and loyalty.

Senator Dickson, who spoke on the heels of the NDC’s formal registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), insisted that the party’s journey to legality was transparent, lawful, and fully backed by the courts.

“The truth about the NDC is in the public domain,” the senator declared. “The application commenced in 2017, when Dr. Ardo wasn’t even dreaming of registering a political party. The process stalled because INEC, under Dr. Mahmood Yakubu, halted the registration of political parties.”

He explained that when INEC lifted the embargo last year, the NDC revived its application and was listed among 171 political associations.

However, INEC rejected the party’s proposed logo – the two-finger sign – claiming it was similar to the All Progressives Congress (APC) broom symbol. Despite the NDC offering to change the logo and writing multiple letters to INEC, the commission refused to allow any modification.

Faced with what he called an “unlawful exclusion,” the NDC approached the court. The judiciary ruled in its favour, enforcing the party’s right to freedom of association, deeming it registered, and directing INEC to issue a certificate. INEC complied without appealing the judgement.

“The period of appeal has elapsed and no one, except INEC, has the locus standi to appeal the judgement,” Senator Dickson stressed. “The judgment has been enforced by INEC and there’s nothing to appeal anymore.”

He revealed that shortly after receiving the certificate, the NDC issued the mandatory 21-day notice to INEC. Commission officials visited the party’s first National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting two weeks ago, observed proceedings, confirmed the party’s officers, and received dates for upcoming congresses and primaries.

Senator Dickson disclosed that he had personally advised Dr. Ardo on navigating similar registration hurdles for his own proposed party, the African Democratic Alliance (ADA), after Ardo expressed frustration over INEC’s refusal.

He said he had no hand in Ardo’s current court challenges arising from internal disputes among ADA promoters.

“It is curious that in his vituperations, Dr. Ardo said nothing about the National Democratic Party (NDP), which was also excluded but went to court, obtained a favourable judgement, and was duly registered by INEC without any appeal,” the senator noted. “The NDC is therefore not the only party that was registered as a result of a court order.”

Despite the attacks, Senator Dickson expressed optimism about the NDC’s future. He said Nigerians across the country and in the diaspora are registering en masse, while top politicians from various parties continue to defect to the new platform.

“The party is gaining momentum with our officers working hard and promoting it,” he said. “I am doing same, receiving top politicians from across the country and from all political parties.”

The statement comes amid growing political realignments ahead of future elections, with the NDC positioning itself as a fresh alternative in Nigeria’s political landscape.