Anambra State, March 2026 – Concerns have emerged within Nigeria’s political landscape following the formation of a new political party by Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, raising questions about trust and cohesion within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition.
Senator Dickson, a former Attorney-General and Governor of Bayelsa State, and currently representing Bayelsa West in the National Assembly, was previously instrumental in building the coalition that adopted the ADC as a platform to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC) Federal Government in the 2026 elections.
The unexpected registration of Dickson’s new party has prompted scrutiny over the ease of its approval, especially in a system where many credible political associations face long delays in securing INEC recognition. Obunike Ohaegbu, National Coordinator of the South East Patriots (SEP), cited his own experience attempting to register the Citizens Party of Nigeria after the 2023 general elections—a process that remained stalled despite compliance with all legal requirements.
Ohaegbu highlighted Dickson’s political history, noting his tenure as the first Chairman of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in Bayelsa State and later as National Legal Adviser of the party. Alleged maternal ties to the South-West and fluency in Yoruba have also drawn attention in discussions about political alignments and loyalties.
“These factors, taken together, raise legitimate questions within the ADC coalition,” Ohaegbu said. He described the new platform as a “poisoned chalice” that could be a strategic effort to fragment and weaken opposition efforts ahead of the 2027 elections.
Ohaegbu urged Dickson to openly contest his political project by running as its presidential candidate rather than attempting to poach members from the ADC coalition. He reaffirmed the South-East’s commitment to the ADC under Peter Obi’s leadership, emphasizing discipline, focus, and unity in the lead-up to 2027.
“Distractions, however cleverly packaged, are not in the interest of our people. We are ADC. We are disciplined. We are focused on rising and shining for a better Nigeria,” Ohaegbu said, warning against the recycling of former political power brokers.
The statement underscores a growing tension within Nigeria’s opposition coalitions as emerging political platforms challenge established alliances, with loyalty, transparency, and trust at the forefront of intra-party debates.
