NDC PDP defectors include Edo lawmakers, Natasha Osawaru and former political leaders ahead of the party convention

The Nigeria Democratic Congress on Thursday received a fresh wave of defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party, including senior political figures from Edo and Gombe states.

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Among those unveiled at a reception in Abuja were Charity Aiguobarueghian and Natasha Osawaru Idibia.

The event was hosted at the residence of the NDC National Leader, Seriake Dickson.

Other new entrants into the party included Donald Eboigbe and former Deputy Governor of Gombe State, John Yoriyo.

Addressing the gathering, Seriake Dickson assured the defectors of equal opportunity and fairness within the party structure.

The former Bayelsa governor said the NDC remained committed to internal democracy, discipline and inclusiveness while welcoming Nigerians aligned with its political vision.

“The party remains open to all Nigerians who share its vision of good governance, national unity, and inclusive development. It is focused on women and youth participation,” he said.

The NDC PDP defectors movement comes ahead of the party’s national convention scheduled for Saturday, with Seriake Dickson revealing that members of the national leadership were absent because of ongoing preparations for the event.

He also warned against allowing personal ambition to override party interests, stressing the importance of unity and organisational discipline.

The reception featured the formal presentation of membership cards to the new members as well as a brief musical performance by 2Baba.

Speaking during the event, Natasha Osawaru Idibia expressed optimism about the future of the party and praised Seriake Dickson’s leadership.

“It has not been easy at all. But we thank God that we still have a leader like Senator Dickson,” she said.

Natasha Osawaru added that she believed the NDC would eventually emerge as a dominant political force in the country.

Former House of Representatives member Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma described the movement as one gaining national momentum capable of reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape.

Responding on behalf of the Edo lawmakers who joined the party, Charity Aiguobarueghian said the decision followed extensive consultations and careful assessment of the country’s evolving political situation.

The lawmaker explained that the defectors deliberately observed developments within different political parties before deciding on a new political direction.

Charity Aiguobarueghian also recalled earlier interactions with political leaders which, according to him, shaped his confidence in Seriake Dickson’s leadership.

Activist Aisha Yesufu, who recently left the African Democratic Congress, also addressed the gathering and described the movement as a potential turning point in Nigerian politics.

Aisha Yesufu urged citizens to remain active in national affairs and expressed hope for a system where opportunities are determined by merit rather than personal connections.