Senator Seriake Dickson, the National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, recently hosted a significant reunion of former leaders and founding members of the defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD) in a bid to reflect on the state of Nigeria’s democracy after nearly three decades. The gathering took place on Saturday and was attended by notable figures from the old AD political family, including Chief Michael Odurinde, a respected elder and former adviser to the late Ayo Adebanjo, a key figure in the party's history.

During the reunion, Dickson expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to reconnect with former colleagues, stating that the meeting was a chance to rebuild relationships and reflect on the journey of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. He reminisced about the early days of Nigeria's democratic transition in 1998 and 1999, when the AD was one of only three political parties in the country. "Over the last few hours, I have had the privilege of hosting some of our leaders and colleagues from the old Alliance for Democracy," he said.

The senator emphasized that the reunion was not intended to discuss partisan politics or forge alliances but rather to honor the legacy of the AD and its contributions to Nigeria’s democratic landscape. He called for a moment of silence to remember prominent figures from the party, including Chief Bola Ige, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, and Chief Abraham Adesanya, acknowledging their sacrifices and commitment to the nation.

Former National Secretary of the AD, Professor Udenta Udenta, also spoke at the event, clarifying that the reunion was not about reviving the defunct party or forming a political alliance. He noted that while the AD no longer exists as a political entity, many of its founding members remain active in Nigeria's political scene. "You said AD is a defunct party, but I’m not defunct," he remarked, highlighting the ongoing relevance of former members in contemporary politics.

Udenta further contrasted the ideological foundation of the AD with that of the current ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), suggesting that the latter lacks the ideological depth that characterized the AD. He pointed out that many individuals who transitioned from the AD to the APC did so primarily for political power rather than ideological alignment.

The reunion served as a poignant reminder of the historical significance of the Alliance for Democracy, which played a crucial role in Nigeria's transition to civilian rule and was associated with progressive politics in the South-West. As members reflected on their shared history and the evolution of Nigeria’s democracy, the gathering underscored the enduring impact of the AD on the country’s political landscape, even as its formal existence has come to an end.