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This afternoon, I received Barr. Amanda Pam, a prominent politician in the FCT with several years of experience in public service and party leadership. She previously served as Deputy National Legal Adviser of the PDP, and was also appointed by the APC-led administration of late President Buhari as Mandate Health Secretary in the FCT, where she served for several years. She was also a chieftain of the ADC. She came to join the NDC alongside several serving officials from the ADC, APC, and PDP in the FCT. It was a pleasure to receive them. I welcomed them to our party and urged them to work together in building a strong and united platform. With the calibre of individuals joining the NDC in the FCT, and the many stakeholders we are in touch with, there is no doubt that our party is emerging as a formidable contender. This is the trending scenario in all states, in just about six weeks after the registration of our party. I thank Nigerians for the trust and confidence they have placed in me and in the leadership of the NDC, as well as in the ideals we represent. I encourage all Nigerians to join the NDC so that, together, we can build a strong, ideological, pan-Nigerian platform that will prevent the emergence of a one-party state. — HSD Click on the link below to join the NDC Movement ndcregister.com

I am impressed with the giant strides the NDC is making across Nigeria. It is encouraging to note that Dr. Shamsuddeen Aliyu Haido, formerly of the APC and the ADC, has officially joined us and is spearheading NDC’s progress in Sokoto State. I thank him and his compatriots for the excellent work they are doing, and we wish the good people of Sokoto State a breath of fresh air. -HSD Click on the link below to join the NDC Movement ndcregister.com

This afternoon, I joined my brother, His Excellency Governor Seyi Makinde, and was also accompanied by His Royal Majesty King A.J. Turner and Azibaola Robert, both of Bayelsa State, to pay Sallah solidarity visits—firstly to His Excellency, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, who received us warmly, and with whom we had useful discussions. Thereafter, we proceeded to Kano State to honour the Sallah invitation extended to me by His Excellency, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the leader of the Kwankwassiya Movement, and were warmly received by a jubilant and enthusiastic crowd of supporters. I thank them both for the invitation, and for the hospitality and warmth extended to me and our delegation. As the National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), I have been briefed on the growing acceptance of our party and the increasing number of Nigerians registering as members. I deeply appreciate the interest, belief, confidence, and prayers of Nigerians. In just three weeks, we are building a truly national and ideological party committed to promoting multiparty democracy in Nigeria. I enjoin all Nigerians, especially members of this fast-growing party, to remain peaceful, orderly, and law-abiding. While holding firmly to their political opinions and beliefs, they should continue to persuade others respectfully and tolerate differing views. This reflects my political style: peaceful, non-violent, and issue-based politics driven by ideas. I encourage everyone to continue registering and intensify the process of mass mobilisation. Multiparty democracy must survive in Nigeria. We wish Nigeria the very best. -HSD

Today, in the company of the National Chairman, national officers, and some state chairmen of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), we launched the party’s Digital Membership Register as required by the Electoral Act. This digital register is a simplified and user-friendly platform designed to enable Nigerians to register as members of the party, both within the country and in the diaspora. Members who had previously registered with the party are advised not to register again, as their existing membership details will be migrated to the new digital portal. The digital registration will also be complemented by manual registration forms to ensure inclusiveness, particularly for those in rural communities who may not have access to digital tools. Printed forms will be distributed through state, local government, and ward officials to assist those who are unable to register online. The completed forms will subsequently be processed and the registration details uploaded to the digital portal. I thank all Nigerians who, within this short period of just two weeks, have shown great interest in supporting and joining the NDC. I thank them for their prayers, support and solidarity. I urge all Nigerians at home and in the diaspora who are desirous of taking Nigeria in the right direction to join us in building a strong, inclusive, and people-driven political movement. -HSD

I have accepted an invitation to appear on TVC NEWS tomorrow, Sunday March 8, to discuss my political transition to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), the vision behind it, and the future of opposition politics in Nigeria. Tune in and be part of the conversation. -HSD

Today, I officially announced my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and formally declared my membership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), a party I founded and whose leadership has appointed me as its National Leader. The journey of the NDC has been long in the making, and I helped midwife the process that led to its creation. In making the decision to go with the NDC, I made it clear that Nigeria must never become a one-party state. It would have been easy for me to join the bandwagon of politicians decamping to the ruling party—the APC, but that was never an option for me. My decision is informed by a number of reasons: the APC’s abuse and disrespect of the country’s diversity, its inability to effectively manage national security, and its failure to manage the economy in a manner that protects the welfare of Nigerians, resulting in widespread hunger, poverty, and disillusionment. This is further compounded by the mismanagement of our democratic space and the rejection of electoral reforms, leaving democratic liberties under threat after twelve years in power. My decision to set up the NDC has been a painful one because of the PDP’s contribution to me, the people of Bayelsa and all Nigerians, but the reality is that we must move forward. By my nature and background, I am not a politician of convenience but one guided by conviction, principles, and values. The Nigeria Democratic Congress is a national platform for patriots committed to building a stronger, fairer, and more prosperous Nigeria. Our priorities begin with national security, ensuring the protection of lives and property through strengthened defence and security institutions; education and skills development to build human capacity and drive national progress; affordable and quality healthcare for all Nigerians; a free-market economy guided by responsible regulation and social protection; industrialisation and local production to reduce dependence on imports; modernised agriculture and food security across the value chain; empowerment and inclusion of women and youth in governance and development; true federalism and devolution of powers to strengthen states and local governments; environmental protection and remediation of degraded areas; provision of affordable housing and modern towns; Pan-Africanist foreign policy and economic diplomacy; preservation and promotion of Nigeria’s culture and heritage; expansion of national infrastructure and transportation networks; reliable and sustainable power and energy supply; reform of the public service to ensure efficiency and accountability; and large-scale employment creation across sectors to provide opportunities for all Nigerians. The NDC will promote an independent judiciary, a free and independent press and ensure the promotion and protection of democratic norms and adherence to the rule of law. It is for these reasons that I have chosen to align fully with the NDC as we work together to build a stronger, fairer, and more inclusive Nigeria. I also explained why I could not align with the African Democratic Congress (ADC). I thank the ADC leaders for not succumbing to the pressures of a one-party state, however I am yet to clearly understand their position on some of the fundamental issues and principles that I strongly stand for and believe in. Furthermore, I am not sure if the ADC is a coalition or a collision, but I hope they prove me wrong. ADC leaders are personally known to me; we interact and will continue to do so in furtherance of Nigeria’s democracy. I therefore call on all our people, and indeed all Nigerians who believe in justice, equity, and a new Nigeria, to join this movement. The NDC is a platform for all who are committed to building a nation founded on true federalism, responsible leadership, and shared prosperity for all our people. I thank all Nigerians for their prayers and support. -HSD