Sen. Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa West says he has no immediate plans to contest against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, saying his priority is building a credible political platform rather than pursuing personal ambition.
Dickson spoke Thursday at a press conference 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 governor said he and other political stakeholders were focused on strengthening 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, not just the name,” Dickson said.
He added that the political dynamics that played out in the 2023 elections reflected growing public frustration and disenchantment across the country.
“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.
When asked whether his move to the NDC was part of a broader plan to challenge Tinubu in 2027, Dickson dismissed the suggestion, stressing that the party’s focus for now is on building a strong foundation.
“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 downplayed the ongoing debate over zoning and presidential ticket permutations ahead of the 2027 elections, saying political actors should prioritise strengthening institutions and 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,” he said.
“All arguments now are about who runs 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, even though I am eminently qualified.”
The senator invited politicians across the country with various political ambitions to join the NDC, saying the party intends to provide a broad-based national platform.
“All those who have presidential, governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives, state House of Assembly, chairmanship and councillorship interests should come to the Nigeria Democratic Congress. With NDC, the game has changed,” he said.
Responding to concerns that members of the ruling party could infiltrate the new platform as moles, Dickson said the party remained open to all Nigerians and would address any internal issues if they arise.
“We are open to all. If any situation arises, we’ll know how to handle it. 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, stressing 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,” he said.
Earlier Thursday, Dickson 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.
“The governors and other leaders must take responsibility for the avoidable, self-inflicted destruction of the PDP,” Dickson said.
He also warned against the emergence of a one-party system in Nigeria, saying 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,” he said.
