Dickson Accuses APC of Using Paid Crowds in Bayelsa

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Key Takeaways

Seriake Dickson has accused the APC of relying on paid crowds, induced gatherings and political appointees.
The NDC leader questioned the APC’s grassroots support in Ekeremor Local Government Area.
Dickson expressed confidence that the NDC could defeat the APC in Bayelsa State.
The remarks followed a meeting with stakeholders, women leaders and youth leaders from Ekeremor communities and wards.
Dickson made the allegations in a statement published on his X account on Thursday.
The supplied report contains no APC response or independent evidence confirming the allegations.

The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of relying on paid crowds, induced gatherings and political appointees to create an impression of strong political support in Bayelsa State.

Dickson also questioned the APC’s grassroots presence in Ekeremor Local Government Area, insisting that the party lacks the political strength to defeat the NDC in the state ahead of the 2027 elections.

The former Bayelsa State governor made the remarks in a statement published on his X account on Thursday, following a meeting with political stakeholders, women leaders and youth leaders from communities and wards across Ekeremor on Wednesday.

Dickson Questions APC’s Grassroots Support in Bayelsa

In his statement, Dickson challenged the APC to demonstrate the extent of its grassroots support in Ekeremor, arguing that the crowds associated with the party’s political activities do not necessarily reflect genuine community backing.

He alleged that much of the support claimed by the APC comes from gatherings organised through financial inducements and the involvement of political appointees.

The NDC leader further suggested that some individuals currently associated with the ruling party could reconsider their political affiliations when the time comes.

Dickson maintained that his party had built a strong presence across communities in Bayelsa State and expressed confidence in its ability to compete in the 2027 governorship election.

What Dickson Said About the APC

The former governor directly questioned the APC’s grassroots influence and used his statement to argue that the NDC was better positioned politically in the state.

In his words:

“I therefore ask: Where are the grassroots supporters of the APC in Ekeremor? From what we have witnessed, much of the support claimed by the APC appears to come from paid crowds, induced gatherings and political appointees. I believe many of those currently associated with them will make their own political decisions when the time comes. From all that I have seen there is no APC presence strong enough to defeat the NDC in any election in Bayelsa State,” Dickson wrote.

His remarks placed the question of grassroots mobilisation at the centre of the emerging political contest in Bayelsa, with particular attention to the strength of party structures at the community level.

Stakeholder Meeting Provides Context for Dickson’s Remarks

Dickson’s comments followed his reception of stakeholders, women leaders and youth leaders representing communities and wards across Ekeremor Local Government Area.

The engagement provided the immediate context for his assessment of the political situation and his claims about the NDC’s presence across the state.

While Dickson presented the gathering and his party’s community-level presence as evidence of its political strength, the supplied statement does not provide independent figures or other evidence comparing the membership, organisation or grassroots support of the APC and NDC.

Political Implications Ahead of the 2027 Elections

Dickson’s remarks highlight the importance political parties attach to grassroots mobilisation as preparations and positioning ahead of the 2027 elections continue.

His criticism also reflects the political competition between the NDC and APC in Bayelsa State, particularly over which party can demonstrate stronger connections with voters and communities.

However, his assessment of the APC’s support remains an allegation and political position expressed by the NDC leader. The available account does not include a response from the APC or independent evidence confirming the claims about paid crowds and induced gatherings.

The extent of each party’s grassroots organisation and its ability to translate political support into votes will ultimately be determined by developments in the electoral process.

Editorial Wrap-Up

The dispute over grassroots support has become a central feature of Dickson’s latest criticism of the APC in Bayelsa State. While the NDC leader remains confident about his party’s prospects in 2027, his allegations about the APC’s political gatherings have not been independently established in the information available for this report.

The political contest in Bayelsa will therefore remain an important development to watch as the parties continue to position themselves ahead of the next election.