Senator of the Federal Republic @NGRSenate. Former Member of @HouseNGR. Former Governor of Bayelsa State 2012 - 2020. Servant of the People.
Bayelsa, Nigeria
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Our candidates and supporters are assured that the party has been working diligently and has taken adequate steps to address the cases of those whose names were not published by INEC a few days ago.
All affected candidates registered with the party before the statutory 21-day period required by law.
We urge INEC to remedy this apparent omission promptly. From the Presidential election to the State Houses of Assembly, the NDC has fielded qualified candidates who emerged through a rigorous and painstaking screening process. We are confident that INEC will correct this omission without delay.
In the meantime, consultations, town hall meetings, mobilisation, and campaigns should continue unabated in all states and constituencies.
We will continue to fight without giving up until we are victorious.
NDC all the way.
HSD
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I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Nigerian Air Force personnel and other Nigerians in the unfortunate aircraft crash in Ondo State.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, their loved ones, the Chief of Air Staff, officers and men of the Nigerian Air Force, and the entire Nigerian military on this painful loss.
I also extend my condolences to the President, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
In spite of our principled political positions and differences, periods of national celebration, mourning and disaster are times when our nation’s leadership must come together, and this is one such occasion. The loss of service personnel, to anyone who is in leadership and understands the meaning of service, is a time for all to come together in sorrow and in unity.
It is also a time to appreciate the continued sacrifices that our men and women in uniform make in the service of our nation. They continue to put their lives on the line in defence of our country and the safety of our citizens, often under the most difficult and dangerous circumstances.
At this painful moment, we must honour the memory of those who lost their lives by recognising their service and sacrifice to our nation. Their families, loved ones and colleagues should know that the nation mourns with them.
I call for a detailed investigation into the cause of the crash. As a member of the Senate Committee on Defence, I will be joining my colleagues in the Senate in calling for a thorough investigation and for the findings to be made public.
May Almighty God grant eternal rest to the departed, comfort their families and loved ones, and grant strength to their colleagues in the Nigerian Air Force and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
May God continue to protect our men and women in uniform and grant our nation peace, unity and security.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
~HSD
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Congratulations to the entire leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and to all Nigerians, as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has uploaded our preferred and approved party logo, in compliance with the order of the High Court, as provided for in our Constitution and ratified by the National Executive Committee (NEC).
I thank the Nigerian Judiciary and the INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, and all members of the INEC team for complying with the court judgment.
I thank the National Chairman of our great party, Senator Moses Cleopas, and the members of the NEC for their hard work. I also commend the understanding of all our candidates and members of the party.
Our approved logo has now been uploaded, and candidates can print campaign materials and continue their consultations and campaigns with certainty.
We assure all Nigerians and our candidates that we are committed to seeing this through to the end. We are fighters, and we will fight until the end. We have resisted those who sought to use the judiciary against the party, and they have failed.
We must now join hands and ensure that all candidates campaign and take their message freely to every part of Nigeria without intimidation. I call on all candidates to work with the party at all levels in the composition of their campaign teams as they are not independent candidates and AVOID SELF-SABOTAGE
We must together join hands to fight against propaganda and misinformation from people who seek to undermine the party and our candidates and create division with childish rumours.
The NDC is a product of vision, selfless dedication, and commitment to democratic ideals. We are prepared to fight to uphold the democratic rights of Nigerians and to ensure that multi-party democracy thrives.
NDC all the way.
- HSD
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Today, as our nation marks its 66th Independence Anniversary, I join Nigerians at home and abroad in celebrating our country and reflecting on our journey as a nation.
Our independence reminds us of the enduring responsibility to honour the sacrifices of our founding fathers and all those who have contributed to the growth of our nation, while renewing our commitment to building a Nigeria founded on justice, equity, unity, democracy, equal opportunities, and respect for the dignity of every citizen. These values must remain at the heart of our national renewal.
Despite the challenges we face, I remain confident in the resilience of our people and the great potential of our country. Our diversity is our strength, and our collective responsibility is to preserve our democracy, strengthen our institutions, and build a nation where every Nigerian can live with dignity and hope.
Today also marks 30 years of the creation of Bayelsa State, my home state and a state that has contributed immensely to the growth and development of Nigeria. As a proud son and former Governor of Bayelsa State, I join my fellow Bayelsans in celebrating this important milestone and honouring the contributions of our people to our nation. I remain hopeful for a greater and more prosperous Bayelsa and confident in the capacity of our people to continue making meaningful contributions to the development of Nigeria.
As we approach another important moment in our democratic journey, the Nigeria Democratic Congress remains committed to providing a platform for national renewal and presenting candidates at every level who are committed to service and good governance. I am confident that, with the support of Nigerians, our candidates at every level will carry this vision forward and secure the mandate to serve the Nigerian people.
On this Independence Day, I urge us all to keep faith in Nigeria and continue working together for the stronger, more united and prosperous nation we desire.
Happy 66th Independence Anniversary, Nigeria.
Happy 30th Anniversary to Bayelsa State.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
~HSD
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After almost a year building the NDC and resolving its challenges, I decided to embark on a one-week working visit to Europe.
It was a pleasure to receive executives of the NDC in Germany and UK. I thanked them for their support and encouragement and urged them to continue supporting the party and our candidates.
We have very strong candidates from the Presidency down to the House of Assembly who are contesting almost every available seat.
As a new party, we expect them to sensitise their constituents and people back home, especially those registered to vote and to organise so they can join and participate fully in the polls.
Once they are organised and holding their conferences and conventions in the diaspora, we will find time to be part of those gatherings. I, together with the leadership of the party and our candidates, will make every effort to be with them.
We thank them for everything they have done and also for taking the time to receive and brief me on their activities so far. We urge them to continue to work with the directorate of the Diaspora affairs of the party back home.
HSD.
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Today, in the company of members of the National Working Committee and other NDC officials, it was a pleasure to receive and welcome respected elderstatesman and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Engr. Babachir Lawal, to the
Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
In my remarks, I thanked him, on behalf of the National Chairman and members of the National Working Committee, for believing in our party.
I requested him to provide leadership and support in coordinating, guiding and strengthening the party in the North-East and the North Central Zone, as well as provide leadership and support for all our candidates, counting on his experience, leadership and extensive network to further strengthen the party.
Once again I warmly welcome Engr. Babachir Lawal to the NDC and look forward to working with him and other committed Nigerians as we continue to strengthen our party and advance the cause of multiparty democracy and good governance in our country.
NDC all the way!
~HSD
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Fellow Party Members and Nigerians,
Today, the Court of Appeal, sitting in Abuja, has set aside the judgment of the Federal High Court, Lokoja, delivered by Justice Isah Dashen a few months ago, which purported to order the deregistration of our party, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
In a judgment delivered by the presiding Justice, Justice Mohammed Danjuma and read by Justice Hassan, the Court ruled in favour of allowing our appeal, which challenged the faulty ruling of the Federal High Court, Lokoja, and accordingly, set aside Justice Dashen’s judgment.
We want to use this opportunity once again to commend the Nigerian judiciary, and in particular, Hon. Justice Danjuma and Hon. Justice Hassan, for upholding the integrity of the Nigerian judiciary and, by their decisions, expanding the sphere of multiparty democratic participation in Nigeria.
We have said repeatedly that the NDC was set up to expand the frontier of multiparty democracy in Nigeria. Justice Dashen’s judgment a few months ago was an unexpected assault on our constitutional right to participate and an attempt to narrow the democratic space.
Happily, today, by the decision of the Court of Appeal, the Nigerian democratic space has been protected, and the NDC’s right to participate in all political activities as a registered political party has been upheld.
I congratulate all members and candidates of our great party, the NDC, and thank Nigerians for their prayers and support.
When the unexpected judgment of the Lokoja Federal High Court was delivered, we were bombarded with several calls for sympathy, support and prayers. Today, our collective prayers have been answered.
The NDC continues to exist. Our registration remains valid and subsisting, and we and all our candidates will participate in all elections in 2027 and beyond, by the grace of God.
Everyone should now focus on the campaigns, prepare for the elections, and focus on the task ahead to face the APC and defeat them at the polls.
A resort to arm-twisting, inducing or intimidating the judiciary will not work. We remain confident in the strength of our message, the commitment of our members, the viability of our candidates, and the support of Nigerians. With this conviction, we look forward to the forthcoming elections and are confident that the NDC will emerge victorious at the polls, by the grace of God.
The fight for Nigeria's multiparty democracy continues and by the grace of God we will emerge victorious.
NDC ALL THE WAY✌️
~HSD
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Today, it was a pleasure to receive the letter conferring on me the LEADERSHIP Politician of the Year 2026 Award from the Board and Management of LEADERSHIP Group, led by its Vice Chairman, Mr. Mike Okpere.
In my acceptance remarks, I thanked the leadership, Board and Management of LEADERSHIP for the honour, which I said was not only to me and my family, but also to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and to all lovers of democracy in Nigeria.
When we started this journey, it was at a very difficult period, and only a few people believed that what we were building could become a formidable political platform. At a time when my former party, the PDP, was collapsing, I made the principled decision not to join the APC because I did not believe Nigeria should become a one-party state.
Instead, I chose to take the plunge and contribute to expanding our multiparty democracy by founding the NDC, securing its registration and giving Nigerians another political platform.
Months down the line, we have built a formidable party and a major opposition platform in Nigeria. I thank Nigerians for their confidence and support, and I thank all the leaders and officials of the NDC for their commitment and sacrifice.
I also thank our partners, our presidential candidate, His Excellency Peter Obi, CON, and our Vice-Presidential candidate, His Excellency Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, CON, for their partnership.
We have now selected candidates for the general elections, and our focus must be on mobilising support for all our candidates, from the top to the bottom of the ballot.
Those who were not satisfied with the outcome of the nomination process should put those disagreements behind them and work for the success of the party. There is no time for self-doubt, second-guessing or destructive propaganda within the party. Our energy must be directed towards building the NDC and challenging the ruling party through democratic means.
I also call on the President and the security agencies to ensure fairness, prevent violence and guarantee that all political parties and their candidates are free to campaign across the country.
I call on INEC and all lovers of democracy to support the Commission in conducting free, fair and credible elections.
Elections should not divide the country or endanger our democracy and national unity. They should unify and dignify the nation.
I also urge politicians to respect the judiciary and resist the temptation to drag the courts into every political disagreement. Political disputes should ultimately be settled at the polls, in accordance with democratic principles.
Our commitment is to see multiparty democracy flourish in Nigeria. That is a sacrifice I have chosen to make, and I remain committed to it.
Once again, I thank the LEADERSHIP Group for this honour and for sustaining the ideals and dreams of its late Chairman, Sam Nda-Isaiah. I dedicate this award to the leadership and members of the NDC, and to all Nigerians who have believed in our mission and supported our commitment to strengthening multiparty democracy in Nigeria.
~HSD
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Yesterday, I met with the leadership of the NDC in Ebonyi State, in a meeting also attended by the National Chairman of our party, Senator Moses Cleopas. The Ebonyi State leadership was led by His Excellency, Senator Sam Egwu, who was unavoidably absent and represented by Engr. Fidelis Nwankwo, former Minister of State for Health.
Our discussions centred on the need for unity within the party. We made a strong case for reconciliation and appealed to all members to put aside their differences, close ranks and work together for the success of the party. We encouraged the leadership and members to intensify their reconciliation efforts and remain united as we work towards securing victory for all our candidates in the forthcoming elections. We also called for follow-up meetings across Ebonyi State to sustain the reconciliation process and ensure that all stakeholders are carried along.
To further strengthen this process, a team has been constituted to work closely with stakeholders, facilitate genuine reconciliation, foster unity and ultimately position the NDC as a formidable force capable of confronting and defeating the opposition in all elections across Ebonyi State.
The task before us is clear: unite our house, mobilise our members and work together for victory.
~HSD
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Fellow Party Members and Nigerians,
It is our pleasure to announce that yesterday, the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, presided over by Hon. Justice J. O. Abdulmalik, granted the prayers of the NDC in a suit seeking to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to upload and utilise our modified digital logo, as contained in our party’s constitution, instead of the association logo with which the NDC was originally registered.
The party had, at our first NEC meeting, approved and forwarded our modified logo to INEC, which subsequently uploaded it. However, without any reason communicated to us, INEC later removed the modified logo and insisted on using the old logo of the association, a position we disagreed with. After giving INEC sufficient time to correct the situation without any action taken, we were compelled to go to court.
We therefore commend the judiciary for its timely intervention and welcome the judgment directing INEC to forthwith upload and utilise our modified digital logo. We commend the judiciary for upholding the party’s legitimate position and ensuring that due process is respected.
We also commend all party members, particularly our candidates, for their patience and understanding throughout this period. We urge all candidates and party members to forthwith adopt and utilise the approved logo in all campaign materials, including banners, posters and other publicity materials.
I want to assure everyone that the party has experienced and strategic leaders who understand what we are doing. Therefore, nobody should panic. Members are free to raise questions and concerns, but there is absolutely no reason for panic.
We understand that some candidates and party members may have already made arrangements using the other logo, and we regret the inconvenience this may have caused. However, both logos retain the two-finger victory sign. Candidates should now transition to the logo approved in our party’s constitution, which is the authentic party logo and, indeed, the one that is more widely recognised.
We regard the challenges surrounding this matter as part of the administrative machinations we have continued to confront. But we want to assure our members that we are democratic fighters. We do not run away from battles.
We thank God that the judiciary has once again vindicated our position.
Accordingly, from this moment, the party and all its candidates should use and refer to the constitutionally approved modified digital logo in all campaign and party-related materials.
The party will issue a formal statement and embark on appropriate publicity to ensure that all members and candidates are properly guided, while also sensitising the voting public. There is still time to do so.
We thank all our members, candidates and supporters for their patience, understanding and steadfastness.
Together, we remain focused in SERVICE. Together, we move forward.
NDC all the way!
~HSD
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This evening, I held a consultative/reconciliation meeting with leaders, candidates and stakeholders of the NDC in Imo State, led by His Excellency, Chief Achike Udenwa.
We had a very fruitful meeting, and they all agreed to work together for the victory of all candidates of our party, from top to bottom.
I thanked them for attending and for appreciating the efforts I and the party leadership are making in building a strong and united NDC. I urged them to build on this first meeting and hold subsequent meetings to achieve total unity and comprehensive reconciliation that will involve every stakeholder. We also urged all candidates and party leaders to be instruments of reconciliation.
The party will also be sending a team of senior officers to Imo to join the reconciliation efforts soonest.
I thank His Excellency, Chief Udenwa, for the leadership he is providing as State Leader in Imo and urge him to do more with the support of the National Leadership of the party.
— HSD
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This evening, I met with our party’s Gubernatorial Candidate in Lagos State, Mr. Funso Doherty; the Zonal Vice Chairman, South West; the Lagos State Chairman of our party; as well as other senior party officials, candidates and stakeholders from the state.
The team came to brief the party leadership and review the state of the party in Lagos, particularly our preparations for the campaigns and the forthcoming elections.
It was also my pleasure to receive our party’s Presidential Candidate, His Excellency Peter Obi, who later joined the meeting. We were therefore briefed together and participated in discussions on the state of our preparedness in Lagos State.
I am particularly impressed by the level of unity, commitment and cooperation demonstrated by our candidates and stakeholders in the state. Our Presidential Candidate and I encouraged them to keep it up and stressed the importance of unity, unity of purpose and collective support for all candidates of the party.
We must continue to work together as one family, putting the interests of the party and, ultimately, the Nigerian people above individual interests.
The Lagos State team will continue with the ongoing consultations, reconciliation and engagement with all interest groups and individuals within the party at all levels. These engagements are important to strengthening our unity, resolving areas of concern and ensuring that we go into the campaigns as one united and formidable team.
— HSD
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Meeting with H.E. Peter Obi, H.E. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, National Chairman Sen. Moses Cleopas, and other NDC Leaders
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Today, I met with our Party’s Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, and the Running Mate, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, alongside the National Chairman and other party leaders, in continuation of our consultations and deliberations on issues concerning our Party and the nation.
We met two days ago, and we met again today to further deliberate and finalise decisions, particularly as we prepare for the unveiling of our Party’s Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 general elections.
At this critical stage, I call on all stakeholders, aspirants and members of our great Party to unite, close ranks and work collectively for the success of our candidates at all levels, from top to bottom.
— HSD
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Today, it was a great pleasure and honour to attend the book presentation and birthday celebration marking the retirement of Dame Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, who today brings to a close an illustrious career in service to our people, our country and humanity.
I congratulated Dame Walson-Jack in my remarks and thanked her for the honour of inviting me to speak at this important occasion. I also appreciated her for giving me the opportunity to write the foreword to one of the books, "I Planted", in which she chronicles her experiences and journey in public service, particularly her experiences in Bayelsa and at the federal level.
I thanked her parents, especially her late father, HRH Otobotekere JP, who was also a father figure to me, for their tremendous investment in education, particularly the education of the girl child. That investment has clearly paid off.
I also thanked her husband, Hon. Nimi Walson-Jack and family for their support throughout her journey. As I said at the event, Didi and her husband have remained an inseparable pair—you buy one and get the other one free.
I also acknowledged the contributions of the many people who played important roles in her journey, including her colleagues. I thanked the President of the Federal Republic for recognising her competence and giving her the opportunity to serve. I equally appreciated the role played by Chief Alamieyeseigha in appointing her, and thanked President Jonathan, who was always available to offer his support whenever I presented her and matters concerning her. All these contributions have played a significant role in bringing us to where we are today.
Dame Didi Walson-Jack served with me when I was Attorney-General. She was Permanent Secretary and Solicitor-General, and together we did considerable work in building and strengthening the Ministry of Justice in Bayelsa State.
During my time in the House of Representatives, I sought opportunities to help her advance her career and also remove her from the distractions of petty and often self-destructive politics at the time in Bayelsa. President Jonathan approved a slot for me which was given to her to attend the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) for one year, providing her with an opportunity to broaden her experience.
When she completed her service at NIPSS, we agreed to remove her from certain petty and destructive politics at the time in Bayelsa, which was a threat to her career, as we feared she could have been dismissed or retired before her time. At my instance, after presenting the matter to President Jonathan, he graciously approved her secondment and transfer to the Federal Civil Service, and she accepted even at a lower grade.
When I became Governor, I again approached President Jonathan for her release on secondment to serve with me as I set about reorganising the state and implementing the agenda I had for the state as Governor. I was deliberate about selecting the team that would help me deliver that agenda.
Dame Didi Walson-Jack worked with me as Deputy Chief of Staff, although my initial intention had been to appoint her Chief of Staff. I had to create the office of Deputy Chief of Staff for her, in the same way I created the position of Principal Executive Secretary for Douye Diri, who is now Governor of Bayelsa State. Both of them served in my office.
I subsequently appointed Didi as Commissioner of the Ministry of Science and Technology, which I established to enable Bayelsa State catch up with the ICT revolution. I entrusted her with the responsibility of designing and awarding the Computer and ICT Village project. The project was slowed down by the recession, but I am pleased to understand that it has now been completed and I hope it will be effectively utilised as intended.
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At a point, Didi Walson-Jack sought to return to the Federal Civil Service so that she could continue her career progression and sit for the examination required for advancement to the rank of Director. Once again, I approached President Jonathan, explained the situation, and he approved her recall from secondment.
She subsequently sat for and passed her directorship examination, and became Permanent Secretary under President Buhari's administration, and eventually got appointed as Head of the Civil Service of the Federation by President Bola Tinubu.
Today, that journey has culminated in her retirement as Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. I am particularly grateful to President Jonathan for the opportunities and support he provided at critical moments in her career at my instance. Looking back, the strategic decisions we made together in supporting her career have clearly paid off.
Dame Didi Walson-Jack has brought honour and distinction not only to herself and her family, but to her community, Bayelsa State, Nigeria and, importantly, to women across the country.
Her story is one of perseverance, consistency, loyalty, discipline and hard work. It is also a powerful reminder of why we must continue to invest in the education of the girl child.
On behalf of the Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation and Hensard University, of which I am Chancellor, I commend the books to the public and encourage people to read them and learn from her remarkable journey. I am also pleased to announce the purchase of 100 copies for the sum of ₦10 million which will be distributed to tertiary institutions in Bayelsa State.
I thank everyone who has played a role in Dame Didi Walson-Jack’s life and career.
I congratulate her on a well-deserved retirement, and wish her many more years of good health, fulfilment and continued service to God and humanity.
~HSD
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