2027: Senator Dickson Speaks on Contesting Presidency with Tinubu

Senator Seriake Dickson has dismissed speculation that he plans to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, stating that his current political efforts are focused on building a new national platform rather than pursuing personal ambition.

Dickson, who represents Bayelsa West in the Senate, made the clarification during a press conference in Abuja shortly after announcing his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his move to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

The former Bayelsa State governor said discussions about the 2027 presidential race are premature.

According to him, the immediate priority is strengthening the NDC into a credible political platform that can attract Nigerians across the country.

Speaking at the briefing, Dickson expressed confidence that the new party could become a strong force in Nigeria’s political landscape if properly organised.

“We are actually aiming to take over power at the centre. And it is possible. It’s human beings that made up a party. It’s not the name. Is that not so?

“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,” he said.

The senator insisted that conversations about presidential ambition are not the focus of the movement at the moment. He explained that the primary goal is to build a party structure capable of offering Nigerians a credible political alternative.

“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 growing debate about zoning arrangements and regional considerations ahead of the next presidential election. According to him, too much attention is being placed on who should run instead of strengthening political institutions.

“Again, on the zoning and presidential ticket, let me say politics is much more than that. We want to first build a party. We don’t want to make the mistake that other parties are making.

“All argument is about who runs, who doesn’t and which region comes first. Let’s put the party first. When it gets to that time, things will sort themselves out.

“But I am not, for now, looking at that (presidency), even though I am eminently qualified, as you can see. But that’s not our focus,” he stated.

He used the opportunity to invite politicians across different levels of government to join the NDC. Dickson said the party intends to open its doors to Nigerians with political ambitions ranging from local government to the presidency.

“We want to build a party. So we want to invite everyone. All those who have presidential, governorship, senatorial, House of Reps, state House of Assembly interests, chairmanship and councillorship interests. Come to the Nigeria Democratic Congress. With NDC, the game has changed,” he said.

Addressing concerns about possible infiltration by members of rival political parties, the senator maintained that the party remains open to Nigerians willing to contribute to its growth.

“We are open for 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.

“And I assure you, with the calibre of people from all over Nigeria that are coming to us, NDC will spring a surprise. We’ll win elections in so many places.”

Dickson also clarified that the new political party should not be mistaken for the defunct Niger Delta Congress. He explained that the NDC is designed to operate as a national platform rather than a regional political movement.

“I’m a pan-Nigerian politician. The Niger Delta Congress of old is different from this newly registered party called the Nigeria Democratic Congress.

“Our own NDC is different from that one. That one was a product of the historical circumstances at that time, when all parties were regional. But Nigeria is far from regional parties now,” he said.

The senator had earlier confirmed his exit from the PDP, citing deep internal divisions and what he described as a decline in leadership within the party. According to him, the opposition party that once dominated Nigeria’s political landscape has weakened due to internal conflicts.

Dickson said he still holds strong emotional ties to the party because of its role in Nigeria’s democratic history, but insisted that its current state required urgent reflection by party leaders.

“The governors and other leaders must take responsibility for the avoidable, self-inflicted destruction of the PDP,” he said.

He also warned against attempts to push Nigeria toward a one-party political system, arguing that such a development would be dangerous for a country as diverse as Nigeria.