National leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, has explained why he declined an offer to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying he did not want Nigeria to move towards a one-party political system.

Dickson, a former governor of Bayelsa State, made the disclosure in Abuja on Thursday while receiving a delegation from Leadership Newspaper after being named the publication’s 2026 Politician of the Year.

The former governor expressed appreciation for the recognition, saying the award was not simply a personal achievement but also reflected the efforts of those who supported the establishment and development of the NDC.

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Dickson said the award came as a surprise to him and members of his political team. He added that he regarded the recognition as an acknowledgement of the political work undertaken by the party within a relatively short period.

According to the NDC national leader, his decision to establish the party was influenced by what he described as the weakening of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which he previously belonged to.

He said the political circumstances at the time created a need for a new platform capable of providing Nigerians with another option within the country’s multiparty system.

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Dickson said he had the opportunity to join the APC but chose not to do so because of his concerns about the prospect of Nigeria becoming a one-party state.

He explained that rather than move into the governing party, he opted to participate in building another political organisation that could operate as an alternative platform.

“I did not believe Nigeria should become a one-party state. Months down the line, we have built a formidable party and a major opposition platform in Nigeria,” Dickson said.

The former Bayelsa governor maintained that the development of the NDC demonstrated that it was possible to establish a political organisation outside the country’s established parties and attract supporters within a relatively short period.

He described the growth of the NDC as an indication of the support the party had received since its formation, while also acknowledging the contribution of individuals involved in the process.

Dickson’s comments come against the backdrop of political realignments ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, with politicians and political groups considering different platforms and alliances.

The former governor’s decision to remain outside the APC has therefore become part of his explanation for why he chose to establish and lead the NDC instead of joining an existing political structure.

He linked the decision to his broader preference for maintaining political alternatives, rather than allowing the country’s political space to become dominated by a single party.

Dickson also used the occasion of the award to acknowledge the role of Nigerians and members of his political organisation in the development of the NDC.

While he described the party as having become a major opposition platform within months, the claim reflects Dickson’s assessment of the party’s growth and political relevance.

His remarks further highlighted his stated intention to position the NDC as an alternative political platform following the difficulties he said affected the PDP.

As preparations for the 2027 elections continue, political parties and emerging platforms are expected to seek wider support and define their positions on national issues.

For Dickson, his decision to reject the APC offer and establish the NDC represents a choice to remain within a multiparty framework and provide an alternative platform for political participation.