ABUJA, Nigeria — Speculation is mounting across the country’s political corridors that former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan may be the primary architect or major backer behind the newly registered Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). This development comes as the party’s National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, released documentary evidence on Monday to prove that the NDC is a legitimate political entity with a history dating back to 2017, rather than a hastily formed “proxy” party.
While officially maintaining a distance from partisan squabbles, Jonathan is increasingly seen as the “unseen hand” behind the NDC’s rapid rise. Insiders point to the central role of his long-term ally, Seriake Dickson, in founding the party as a clear signal of the former president’s influence. Recent reports suggest the NDC is being positioned as a “formidable third force” for the 2027 elections. If Jonathan eventually steps into a formal role, it would provide the party with immense political capital and a bridge between various regional interests.
Addressing critics—including Umar Ardo of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) who threatened legal action over the party’s registration—Senator Dickson released official correspondence from INEC dated February 2017. He clarified that they initiated the registration process for the NDC nearly a decade ago and that the process was only completed recently following a Federal High Court order. This order compelled INEC to register the party after a years-long legal battle over its logo and identity.
The NDC has quickly become the destination for high-profile defectors seeking an alternative to the status quo. On May 3, 2026, Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso formally defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the NDC, citing “toxic” internal battles in their previous party. The party has already scheduled its National Convention for May 9, 2026, in Abuja. Following the convention, the NDC will move straight into primary elections, which are slated to begin on May 22, 2026. With heavyweights like Obi, Kwankwaso, and potentially Jonathan aligning under one banner, the NDC is positioning itself as the primary challenger ahead of the next general elections.
