Moses Cleopas, National Chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has declared that the party will resist any attempt to turn Nigeria into a one-party state.
He spoke on Monday at the party secretariat in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, while receiving defectors from the APC and PDP.
The event drew political figures and supporters who formally joined the NDC in what the party described as a shift in Nigeria’s political direction.
“In the name of politics, we shouldn’t join those that caused us pain in the past,” Cleopas said.
“It shouldn’t be a do or die affair,” he added.
Meanwhile, he said the NDC stands for service and people-driven governance.
He added that power must return to citizens, not remain in the hands of a few political actors.
Defections Signal Growing Political Realignment
Cleopas said the party has a history of standing against federal pressure in elections.
“There are several elections in the state that we stood with the people against oppression from federal might and we won,” he said.
“We will replicate same all over the country,” he added.
He referenced the leadership of Seriake Dickson, whom he described as a key figure in the party.
“During his eight years as governor, he stood firm and ensured we won elections despite opposition,” Cleopas said.
“Today he is leading this party, and together with the people we will conquer,” he added.
The chairman said the NDC is built on fairness and equity across all social groups.
“We are politicians with convictions; we stand for fairness and equity,” he said.
“We don’t have to join what everybody is doing because that doesn’t make it right,” he added.
He described the NDC as a national platform open to all Nigerians regardless of status.
“It’s a party for the low, the highly placed, the poor, the rich, the weak and the strong,” he said.
APC Stalwart Leads Mass Defection in Bayelsa
At the event, APC stalwart Selekebina Saboh announced his defection with supporters from Ekeremor Local Government Area.
He described the moment as a turning point in the state’s political landscape.
“I am defecting today with over one thousand and two hundred supporters from my area,” Saboh said.
“More will still join us soon,” he added.
He said his move aims to strengthen the NDC ahead of future elections.
“I am here to strengthen the party so we can win elections at different levels,” he said.
“We have the majority,” he added.
Saboh said his group had served other parties before deciding to join the NDC.
“We have served other parties diligently, so it’s time to do same here,” he said.
“We will ensure from the grassroots across the country the people will feel the breath of fresh air,” he added.
He also expressed confidence in the party’s electoral prospects.
“When campaign starts, the people will know that we are here to win elections,” he said.
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