National leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, on Thursday warned politicians against ‘transactional politics’ as serving lawmakers from Edo formally joined the party in Abuja.

The event, attended by lawmakers, political actors, and delegates from several states, featured the formal reception of the Minority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, Charity Aiguobarueghian, and Natasha Osawaru-Idibia into the emerging political movement.

Speaking at the gathering, Mr Dickson said the NDC was not created as a platform for short-term political gains, but as a movement anchored on ideology, discipline, and long-term nation-building.

“You are not joiners of this party. You are co-founders and co-builders.

“This is not a platform for transactional politics. It is a platform for ideological commitment and nation-building,” he said.

He urged new members to see themselves as part of a long-term political project, stressing that strong grassroots organisation remains key to the survival of any political movement.

According to him, political popularity without structure cannot sustain electoral success.

“A political party is like a horse. No matter how skilled the rider is, if the horse is weak or untrained, it cannot win a race,” he said.

He added that political parties are “living institutions” that must be continuously nurtured to remain viable.

A highlight of the event was the symbolic presentation of party membership cards to Mr Aiguobarueghian and Mrs Osawaru-Idibia.

Mr Aiguobarueghian said his decision to join the NDC followed ideological reflection after a prolonged period of uncertainty within his former political platform.

“At some point, I began to ask myself whether what we believed in was still possible. I was mocked, and it almost felt like there was no clear direction,” he said.

He added that his decision was not driven by personal ambition, but by a desire to serve in a more stable political structure.

“I am happy to be received in a house where my values do not have to be diluted… where I can serve without suppressing my intellectual capacity,” he said.

Mrs Osawaru-Idibia said the NDC is a movement capable of repositioning the country politically.

“Politics has not been easy, but we thank God for standing steadfast. I have a leader whose values are his compass. He keeps reminding me of the youth and where this country is supposed to go,” she said.

She said she remained committed to the party despite current political challenges.

“We may fall, we will stand. As God is with us, so it will be. The NDC will take over to lead Nigeria to greener pastures,” she added.

Former Deputy Governor of Gombe State, John Yoriyo, described the development as part of a broader political shift within Nigeria’s opposition space.

“This is a turning point for Nigeria. We are witnessing the beginning of a political movement that seeks to redefine how leadership is built and sustained,” he said.

Mr Yoriyo said the movement aims to create opportunities for citizens regardless of background and promote generational renewal in leadership. 

(NAN)