The senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Seriake Dickson, stated that he has no immediate plans to contest against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, insisting that his focus is on building a credible political platform rather than pursuing personal ambition.
Dickson disclosed this 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 priority, alongside other political stakeholders, was 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 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.
When asked if his decision to join the NDC was part of a broader plan to challenge Tinubu in 2027, Dickson dismissed the suggestion, stressing that the party currently focused 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.
The senator also played down the ongoing national debate over zoning and presidential ticket permutations ahead of the 2027 elections, arguing that political actors should prioritise strengthening institutions and parties.
“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.
Dickson invited politicians across the country with various political ambitions to join the NDC, saying the party intends to provide a broad-based national platform.
“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.
Responding to concerns that members of the ruling party could infiltrate the new platform as moles, the senator said the party remained open to all Nigerians while assuring that any internal challenges would be managed if they arise.
He said, “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 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.
“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 on Thursday formally announced his resignation from the PDP, citing deepening internal crisis and poor leadership within the opposition party.
At the press conference, the former governor said the party that once dominated Nigeria’s political landscape had deteriorated significantly.
Dickson urged Nigerians seeking a stronger democratic system to align with the NDC, which he described as a credible alternative in the nation’s political space.
The lawmaker said he remained emotionally attached to the PDP because of its historic role in Nigeria’s democratic development.
However, Dickson lamented that the party had deteriorated due to internal conflicts and leadership failures, blaming the crisis largely on the conduct of some party leaders, particularly governors.
“The governors and other leaders must take responsibility for the avoidable, self-inflicted destruction of the PDP,” he said.
The senator 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.”
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