Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, the former Governor of Bayelsa State and current Senator representing Bayelsa West, has dismissed reports suggesting he has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). According to a statement released by his media assistant, Ajiri Daniels, on Friday, Senator Dickson remains fully committed to the PDP and has not joined any other political party.
The Senator is currently observing a period of mourning following the passing of Bayelsa State’s Deputy Governor, Dr. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo. As a sign of respect, he has suspended his participation in political activities and has been receiving condolences from friends, political leaders, and allies from across the country, including those from different political parties.
Senator Dickson emphasized that he is closely monitoring the political landscape but will only make a decision on his next steps after the burial of the late Deputy Governor. He plans to consult with his friends and political partners from across the country before announcing his decision. In the meantime, he will continue to play a key role in the PDP, hoping that the party will function effectively and make wise decisions, given its rich history and significant contributions to Nigerian politics.
The Senator has urged the public, party loyalists, and supporters to disregard the reports of his defection, describing them as fake news intended to mislead people. He advised them to rely only on information from his official communication channels. This development comes at a time when political alliances and affiliations are being closely watched in the lead-up to future elections in Nigeria.
The PDP, one of the major political parties in Nigeria, has been undergoing internal reforms and repositioning itself ahead of upcoming electoral contests. Senator Dickson’s loyalty to the party is seen as significant, given his influence and experience in Nigerian politics. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the actions and decisions of prominent leaders like Senator Dickson will be closely followed by observers and stakeholders alike.