By Charles Maduka
Former Governor of Bayelsa State and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, has denied reports claiming that he has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the African Democratic Congress.
Dickson described the reports as false and misleading, insisting that he remains a loyal and committed member of the PDP and has not joined any other political party.
The clarification was contained in a statement issued by his media aide, Ajiri Daniels, who said the senator was surprised by the rumours making the rounds.
According to the statement, Dickson is currently observing a period of mourning following the death of the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Dr Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, and has therefore withdrawn from active political engagements.
The statement explained that as a mark of respect for the late deputy governor, Dickson stepped back from political activities and has been receiving condolence visits from friends, political associates, leaders and well-wishers from different parts of the country.
It added that those who visited the senator cut across various political parties and professional backgrounds, which may have given rise to wrong assumptions about his political affiliation.
While noting that Dickson remains interested in political developments in the country, the statement said he would only begin wide consultations with friends and political allies after the burial rites.
It stated that any political decision taken by the senator would be properly communicated to the public through official and verified channels.
“In the meantime, he remains a key leader in the PDP and hopes that the party will put its house in order, considering its historic contributions to Nigerian politics,” the statement said.
Dickson also urged members of the public, PDP supporters and party faithful to ignore the defection claims, describing them as fake news deliberately spread to mislead Nigerians.
He advised the public to rely solely on information released through his verified communication platforms.
Speculation about Dickson’s political future had increased in recent weeks due to the ongoing leadership crisis within the PDP.
Before his death, the late Ewhrudjakpo and Dickson were widely rumoured to be considering a possible exit from the opposition party.
Dickson, a former PDP National Chairman and a strong critic of the ruling All Progressives Congress, has remained one of the most vocal opposition figures in the Senate, often questioning government policies on the floor of the Red Chamber.
The rumours gained further attention after Ewhrudjakpo reportedly refused to defect alongside his principal, Governor Douye Diri, who was said to have moved to the APC.
Both men were believed in some political circles to have explored talks with the ADC as a possible platform, with Dickson linked to a potential Senate return and Ewhrudjakpo associated with a governorship ambition.
However, Dickson’s latest statement appears to have put an end, for now, to claims that he has left the PDP.
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