Dickson cautions Edo Assembly members joining NDC against ‘transactional politics’

Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, on Thursday warned politicians against “transactional politics” as serving lawmakers from Edo State formally joined the party in Abuja.

The event, attended by lawmakers, political stakeholders and delegates from several states, featured the formal reception of the Minority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, Charity Aiguobarueghian, and Natasha Osawaru-Idibia into the emerging political movement.

Speaking at the gathering, Dickson said the NDC was not established as a platform for short-term political interests, but as a movement rooted in ideology, discipline and long-term nation-building.

“You are not joiners of this party. You are co-founders and co-builders.

“This is not a platform for transactional politics. It is a platform for ideological commitment and nation-building,” he said.

Dickson urged the new members to see themselves as part of a long-term political project, stressing that strong grassroots structures remain critical to the survival and success of any political movement.

According to him, popularity without organisation cannot sustain electoral victories.

“A political party is like a horse. No matter how skilled the rider is, if the horse is weak or untrained, it cannot win a race,” he said.

He added that political parties are “living institutions” that must be constantly nurtured to remain relevant and viable.

A highlight of the event was the symbolic presentation of party membership cards to Aiguobarueghian and Osawaru-Idibia.

Speaking after his reception, Aiguobarueghian said his decision to join the NDC followed what he described as a period of ideological reflection amid uncertainty within his former political platform.

“At some point, I began to ask myself whether what we believed in was still possible. I was mocked and it almost felt like there was no clear direction,” he said.

He maintained that his decision was not driven by personal ambition, but by a desire to serve within a more stable political structure.

“I am happy to be received in a house where my values do not have to be diluted, where I can serve without suppressing my intellectual capacity,” he added.

Osawaru-Idibia described the NDC as a movement capable of repositioning Nigeria’s political landscape.

“Politics has not been easy, but we thank God for standing steadfast.

“I have a leader whose values are his compass. He keeps reminding me of the youth and where this country is supposed to go,” she said.

She also reaffirmed her commitment to the party despite prevailing political challenges.

“We may fall, we will stand. As God is with us, so it will be. The NDC will take over to lead Nigeria to greener pastures,” she added.

A former Deputy Governor of Gombe State, John Yoriyo, described the development as part of a broader political realignment within Nigeria’s opposition space.

“This is a turning point for Nigeria. We are witnessing the beginning of a political movement that seeks to redefine how leadership is built and sustained,” he said.

Yoriyo added that the movement aims to create opportunities for citizens irrespective of background while promoting generational renewal in leadership.