2027: I’m Not Planning To Challenge Tinubu – Dickson
Senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Seriake Dickson, has said he currently has no plans to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, stressing that his priority is to help build a strong political platform rather than pursue personal political ambition.
Dickson made this known while addressing journalists at his Abuja residence shortly after confirming his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and announcing his decision to join the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC.
The former Bayelsa State governor explained that his immediate focus, alongside other political actors, is to strengthen the NDC into a credible national platform capable of attracting Nigerians from different political backgrounds.
According to him, the goal of the emerging political movement is to eventually contest for power at the national level.
“We are working towards taking over power at the centre, and it is achievable. Political parties are built by people, not merely by their names,” he said.
He added that the political climate in the country, especially after the developments witnessed during the 2023 elections, suggests that a credible political platform could attract support.
“If you reflect on the dynamics of the 2023 elections, you will see the level of anger, hunger and frustration among Nigerians. With the right platform and credibility, anything is possible,” Dickson stated.
Responding to questions on whether his move to the NDC was part of a strategy to challenge Tinubu in 2027, the senator dismissed the speculation, noting that discussions about presidential ambitions are not the party’s current priority.
“Our focus right now is not about who will run for president. My colleagues and I are concentrating on building a credible political platform that Nigerians can identify with,” he said.
Dickson also downplayed the ongoing debate about zoning and permutations for the 2027 presidential race, arguing that political actors should concentrate more on strengthening party structures and democratic institutions.
“Politics is much broader than arguments about zoning or which region should produce the next president. Our priority is to build a party first. We do not want to repeat the mistakes other parties have made,” he explained.
He added that conversations about candidates would naturally emerge when the time is right.
“For now, I am not focused on the presidency, even though I am eminently qualified. Our attention is on building the party,” he said.
The lawmaker used the opportunity to invite politicians across the country with various political ambitions to join the NDC, describing the party as an open platform for Nigerians seeking elective offices.
“We are building a party that welcomes everyone, those aspiring to become president, governors, senators, members of the House of Representatives, state legislators, as well as chairmanship and councillorship candidates. With the Nigeria Democratic Congress, the political landscape has changed,” he said.
Addressing concerns that members of the ruling party might infiltrate the new platform as moles, Dickson maintained that the NDC remains open to all Nigerians but assured that any internal challenges would be properly managed.
“We are open to everyone. If issues arise, we will know how to address them. Our main goal is to attract credible people from across the country,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the calibre of individuals joining the party would enable it to perform strongly in future elections.
“With the quality of people aligning with us nationwide, the NDC will surprise many. We believe we can win elections in several parts of the country,” he added.
Dickson also clarified that the newly registered Nigeria Democratic Congress should not be confused with the defunct Niger Delta Congress, explaining that the new party is designed as a national political movement.
“I am a pan-Nigerian politician. The Niger Delta Congress of the past is completely different from this newly registered Nigeria Democratic Congress. That earlier group emerged during a period when regional parties dominated Nigerian politics, but the country has moved beyond that era,” he said.
The senator had earlier announced his resignation from the PDP, citing what he described as deepening internal crisis and poor leadership within the party.
At the press briefing, Dickson lamented that the party, which once dominated Nigeria’s political landscape, had significantly weakened due to internal conflicts.
He urged Nigerians who desire a stronger democratic system to consider aligning with the NDC, which he described as a credible alternative.
Despite leaving the PDP, Dickson acknowledged his emotional attachment to the party because of the role it played in Nigeria’s democratic development.
However, he blamed the party’s current predicament largely on the actions of some leaders, particularly governors.
“The governors and other party leaders must accept responsibility for the avoidable and self-inflicted damage that has weakened the PDP,” he said.
Dickson also cautioned against the possibility of Nigeria drifting toward a one-party system, insisting that the country’s diversity makes such a situation impractical.
“Nigeria cannot function as a one-party state. Anyone advocating for that idea is pursuing an illusion,” he warned.
Hafsoh Isiaq is a graduate of Linguistics. An avid writer committed to creative, high-quality research and news reportage. She has considerable experience in writing and reporting across a variety of platforms including print and online.
