Kwankwaso Visits Bayelsa as Dickson Vows to Reclaim State’s Mandate for NDC
Former Bayelsa State Governor and National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has reaffirmed his determination to mobilise support for the party ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that the NDC must work towards reclaiming what he described as Bayelsa’s stolen political mandate.
Dickson made the declaration on Monday, 9 November 2026, while hosting the NDC’s Vice-Presidential Candidate, Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, at his country home in Toru-Orua, Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Kwankwaso was in the state as the special guest at a ceremony organised for the presentation of party flags and certificates of return to the NDC’s duly nominated candidates for various elective positions.
The event brought together the party’s National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, the Bayelsa State Chairman, other party leaders, candidates, supporters and stakeholders from different parts of the country.
PulseNets learnt that the ceremony also featured traditional Ijaw cultural displays, including a war boat procession along the River Forcados, as part of efforts to showcase the cultural heritage of the host community.
In a statement following the event, Dickson described Kwankwaso’s visit as particularly memorable, noting that it was the second time the former Kano State Governor had visited him.
He recalled that Kwankwaso’s first visit took place several years ago when he lost his mother, during which the NDC Vice-Presidential Candidate visited to commiserate with him.
Dickson Defends NDC as the Right Political Platform for Bayelsa
Speaking on the political significance of the gathering, Dickson reiterated his belief that the NDC represents the right political platform to protect and promote the interests of Bayelsa people.
He identified infrastructure development, support for local businesses, opportunities for participation in strategic industries, particularly oil and gas, asset ownership and greater involvement in national affairs as areas requiring attention.
According to him, the party is committed to addressing the longstanding challenges confronting the people of Bayelsa State and the wider Niger Delta region.
Dickson also said the occasion provided an opportunity for the party’s candidates to understand the geographical realities, cultural heritage and peculiar environmental challenges of the state.
He expressed satisfaction that the candidates had gained a better appreciation of the realities of living in Bayelsa and their implications for governance and development.
War Boat Display Highlights Ijaw Cultural Heritage
The ceremony featured cultural activities, including traditional war boat displays involving young cultural enthusiasts representing four different communities.
Dickson expressed appreciation to the traditional rulers and chiefs of Toru-Orua for their participation, as well as the young people who showcased the cultural heritage of the Ijaw people.
He also acknowledged party elders, youths, women leaders, supporters and candidates who travelled from different parts of Bayelsa State and beyond to attend the gathering.
The traditional war boat display, also known as Ama-Aru, was one of the major highlights of the event. Reports by The Guardian and Daily Lamp also confirmed Kwankwaso’s participation in the cultural procession alongside Dickson and other party leaders.
Dickson Promises to Mobilise Support for NDC Candidates
The former governor declared that he would personally join the party’s candidates in their respective communities to mobilise support ahead of the 2027 elections.
He said the mobilisation would cover every level of the electoral contest, from the presidential election to the State House of Assembly elections.
Dickson also called on Bayelsans to unite towards what he described as the recovery of their stolen political mandate, alleging that the mandate had been donated to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He maintained that the APC did not win Bayelsa State through the ballot and urged residents to work collectively towards reclaiming the mandate.
“Those in government decamped but our people have not,” he stated.
Dickson Recalls 2015, 2019 and 2020 Electoral Battles Against APC
Recalling his political involvement in previous elections, Dickson said he had led Bayelsa people in resisting the APC during the 2015, 2019 and 2020 electoral contests, claiming that his political camp emerged victorious in all three elections.
He argued that the political figures currently boasting of their influence within the APC had previously lost elections despite the deployment of federal influence and financial resources.
According to him, the support of the people and the grace of God helped prevent the APC from taking control of the state during those periods.
The former governor, however, cautioned his supporters against allowing political disagreements to degenerate into violence or hostility towards members of the ruling party.
‘Do Not Attack Anyone’, Dickson Tells Supporters
Despite his criticism of the APC and the direction of the present government in Bayelsa, Dickson urged his supporters not to attack anyone because of political differences.
He maintained that those who had joined the APC were still their brothers, sisters and friends, stressing that political disagreements should not turn into hostility among the people.
He said the disagreement was about the direction of governance in the state and urged residents to organise politically and defeat the APC in future elections.
Dickson also criticised the APC’s performance in Bayelsa, maintaining that the party had not achieved anything significant for the state and was not the right political platform for its people.
He nevertheless insisted that APC members should not be regarded as enemies because of their political affiliation.
Dickson Calls for Unity to Reclaim Bayelsa’s Political Mandate
The NDC National Leader further argued that the defection of the government to the APC should motivate opposition members to strengthen their unity and intensify grassroots mobilisation.
He described the responsibility of reclaiming the political mandate as one that extended beyond individual political interests, saying it was necessary for the present generation, the people of Bayelsa and the future of Nigeria.
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He also warned against the emergence of a one-party state, emphasising the importance of political competition and democratic plurality.
Dickson congratulated the NDC candidates who received their flags and certificates of return at the ceremony.
He also appreciated the presence of governorship candidates from Akwa Ibom, Delta and Cross River States, their respective state chairmen, other candidates and party leaders who attended the event.
He concluded by thanking party members and supporters for their commitment, solidarity and continued support for the party.
“It is NDC all the way!”
