Dickson hosts old AD leaders, associates at Abuja reunion

Former Bayelsa State Governor and National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, recently hosted a reunion for the founding members, leaders, and associates of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in Abuja. The event brought together political figures who were instrumental in Nigeria's democratic journey and the establishment of its current political system.

Dickson, who began his political career as the founding State Chairman of the AD before becoming the party's National Legal Adviser, reflected on the party's significance. He recalled that Nigeria had only three registered political parties when the current democratic era commenced in 1998/1999. He highlighted the AD as an "ideological and principled party" whose values deeply influenced his own approach to politics.

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The AD was an ideological and principled party.

Attendees at the reunion included prominent AD figures such as Chief Michael Odurinde, a founding father; Prof. Udenta Udenta, the party's founding National Secretary; and Dr. Manzo Abubakar, former Protem National Publicity Secretary. The gathering provided a platform for these former leaders to reminisce about their contributions to Nigeria's democratic development.

Dickson emphasized that his experiences within the AD, coupled with his involvement in the Ijaw and Niger Delta movements, taught him the "art of organising people and groups." He stated that principled politics requires conviction, courage, and commitment, qualities that continue to guide his activities within the NDC. The reunion concluded with participants observing a moment of silence for deceased leaders and colleagues, and an agreement to hold future gatherings.

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My experience in the AD and my involvement in the Ijaw and Niger Delta movements taught me the art of organising people and groups since 1998, and prepared me for a life of principled opposition politics.