The senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Seriake Dickson, has stated that he has no immediate plans to contest against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, stressing that his priority is to help build a credible political platform rather than pursue personal ambition.
Dickson made this known on the sidelines of a press conference held at his residence in Abuja shortly after announcing his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party and his decision to join the Nigeria Democratic Congress.
The former Bayelsa State governor said his immediate focus, alongside other political stakeholders, is to strengthen the NDC into a viable national platform capable of attracting Nigerians across party lines.
“We are actually aiming to take over power at the centre. And it is possible. It’s human beings that make up a party. It’s not the name,” Dickson said.
“But if you look at the dynamics that played out in 2023, you will know that this anger and hunger in Nigeria, the disenchantment, and with the credibility of the platform that we offer, anything is possible.”
Responding to questions on whether his move to the NDC was part of a broader plan to challenge Tinubu in 2027, the senator dismissed the suggestion, saying the party’s current focus is on building a solid foundation rather than discussing presidential ambitions.
“You also talked about the presidential race. Let me tell you right away. That’s not our focus. My colleagues and I are working to build a credible platform to offer to Nigeria and attract as many people as possible,” he said.
Dickson also played down the ongoing debate on zoning and presidential ticket permutations ahead of the 2027 elections, noting that political actors should concentrate on strengthening institutions and political parties.
“Politics is much more than zoning. We want to first build a party. We don’t want to make the mistake that other parties are making. All the arguments are about who runs and which region comes first. Let’s put the party first,” he said.
Although he noted that he is qualified to run for the presidency, Dickson insisted that such considerations are not his current priority.
“But I am not, for now, looking at that, even though I am eminently qualified, as you can see. That’s not our focus,” he added.
The senator called on politicians across the country with various political ambitions to join the NDC, saying the party intends to provide a broad-based national platform for Nigerians.
“We want to build a party. So we want to invite everyone — those with presidential, governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives, state House of Assembly, chairmanship and councillorship interests. Come to the Nigeria Democratic Congress. With NDC, the game has changed,” Dickson said.
On concerns that members of the ruling party might infiltrate the new platform as moles, the senator said the party remains open to all Nigerians while assuring that any internal challenges would be addressed if they arise.
“We are open to all. If any situation arises, we’ll know how to handle it. But that’s not the least of our worries. We want to attract good people all over this country,” he said.
Dickson also clarified that the NDC should not be confused with the defunct Niger Delta Congress, explaining that the newly registered party was designed as a national political platform.
“I’m a pan-Nigerian politician. The Niger Delta Congress of old is different from this newly registered party called the Nigeria Democratic Congress. Nigeria is far from regional parties now,” he said.
The senator had earlier formally announced his resignation from the PDP, citing deepening internal crisis and poor leadership within the opposition party.
He said the party that once dominated Nigeria’s political landscape had deteriorated significantly due to internal conflicts and leadership failures.
Dickson blamed much of the crisis on the conduct of some party leaders, particularly governors, who he said must take responsibility for the party’s decline.
“The governors and other leaders must take responsibility for the avoidable, self-inflicted destruction of the PDP,” he said.
He also warned against the emergence of a one-party system in Nigeria, stressing that the country’s diversity makes such a scenario untenable.
“Nigeria cannot be a one-party state. Anyone promoting one-party rule in Nigeria is pursuing a mirage,” Dickson added.
