Former Bayelsa State Governor, Henry Seriake Dickson, has urged Nigerians to disregard what he described as propaganda surrounding the National Democratic Congress (NDC), insisting that the party’s registration process has a long-standing and documented history.

Dickson made the clarification in a statement posted on his X handle on Monday, where he also reaffirmed confidence in the growing support for the party across the country.

He said the NDC has continued to gain traction due to what he called a convergence of political actors with strong grassroots influence and experience, working together to build a national platform.

According to him, the party is being developed as an ideological political movement designed to outlive its founders and become institutionally stable over time.

“Our goal in the NDC is to build an ideological political party that can endure beyond its founders for generations to come,” he stated, adding that the party seeks to be comparable to long-standing political institutions globally in structure and stability.

Dickson also said the NDC places emphasis on youth and women participation, describing it as a platform that prioritises mentorship, inclusion, and public service.

Explaining the party’s formation process, he stated that documentation shows the NDC registration process began in 2017, with initial approval reportedly granted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before it was halted.

He further noted that when political party registration resumed last year, the organisers revisited and updated their earlier application to reflect current requirements.

“For the record, when party registration resumed last year, we revisited and updated our earlier application,” he said.

Dickson also referenced supporting records, including preparatory materials from 2017, which he said form part of the party’s documented history.

He, however, acknowledged that political initiatives of this nature often attract criticism and misinformation, urging supporters and Nigerians to remain focused.

“With experience in politics, I am fully aware that an ambitious project of this nature will attract distractions—rumours, gossip, propaganda, and even blackmail. I therefore urge Nigerians to ignore such propaganda about the NDC or any of its leaders,” he said.

Dickson called on Nigerians to join the party, register, and participate in the political process, saying the platform is open to all citizens interested in contesting elections and contributing to national development.

“Together, let us reclaim and rebuild our country,” he added.