Former Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson has denied rumours suggesting that he defected from the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to another political party.
The Senator representing Bayelsa West said claims linking him to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) were false and misleading.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by his media aide, Ajiri Daniels, Dickson explained that he had stepped back from active politics to mourn the late Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Dr Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
“Dickson is presently in mourning. As a mark of respect, he has withdrawn from political activities to receive condolence visits from leaders across the country,” the statement said.
The defection rumours followed the reported move of Governor Douye Diri to the All Progressives Congress (APC). However, Dickson stressed that any future political decision would be preceded by wide consultations and formal announcements.
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The former governor also expressed confidence that the PDP would get its act together. Dickson, is a Nigerian lawyer and politician who has represented Bayelsa West Senatorial District since 2020 in the 9th National Assembly and since 2023 in the 10th Assembly.
The 59-year-old served as Governor of Bayelsa State from 14 February 2012 to 14 February 2020, having earlier represented the state in the House of Representatives from 2007 to 2012.
He began his political career with the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and served as the party’s Bayelsa State chairman between 1998 and 2000.
After his tenure as chairman elapsed, he was elected national legal adviser of the Alliance for Democracy and served in that position between 2000 and 2002.
