Senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Seriake Dickson, has said he currently has no plans to contest against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, stressing that his priority is to build a credible political platform rather than pursue personal ambition.
Dickson made the clarification while addressing journalists at his residence in Abuja shortly after announcing his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his decision to join the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
The former Bayelsa State governor said he and other political stakeholders are currently focused on strengthening the NDC into a viable national platform capable of attracting Nigerians across party lines.
“We are aiming to take over power at the centre, and it is possible. Political parties are made up of people, not just names,” Dickson said, noting that the level of public frustration and economic hardship in the country could reshape future political outcomes.
When asked whether his move to the NDC was part of a plan to challenge Tinubu in 2027, the senator dismissed the suggestion, saying discussions about presidential ambitions were premature.
According to him, the immediate goal is to consolidate the party and attract credible members before considering future electoral contests.
“You talked about the presidential race. That is not our focus. My colleagues and I are working to build a credible platform to offer Nigerians and attract as many people as possible,” he said.
Dickson also downplayed the ongoing national debate around zoning and regional permutations ahead of the 2027 elections, insisting that strengthening party structures should take precedence over individual ambitions.
“Politics is much more than arguments about who runs or which region produces the candidate. Let’s build the party first. When the time comes, things will sort themselves out,” he added.
The senator called on politicians across the country with various political ambitions to join the Nigeria Democratic Congress.
He said the party intends to provide a broad national platform for individuals aspiring to contest for offices ranging from the presidency to local government positions.
“We want to invite everyone — those with presidential, governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives, state assembly, chairmanship and councillorship ambitions — to come to the NDC. With NDC, the game has changed,” he said.
Responding to concerns that members of the ruling party could infiltrate the new platform, Dickson said the party would remain open to all Nigerians while addressing any internal challenges if they arise.
Dickson also clarified that the Nigeria Democratic Congress should not be confused with the defunct Niger Delta Congress, explaining that the newly registered party was created as a national political platform rather than a regional one.
“I’m a pan-Nigerian politician. The old Niger Delta Congress was a product of its historical circumstances when parties were largely regional. Nigeria has moved beyond that,” he said.
The senator had earlier announced his resignation from the PDP, citing deepening internal crisis and leadership failures within the opposition party.
While acknowledging his emotional attachment to the party due to its historic role in Nigeria’s democratic development, he said it had deteriorated significantly in recent years.
Dickson blamed the crisis largely on the actions of some party leaders, particularly governors.
“The governors and other leaders must take responsibility for the avoidable and self-inflicted destruction of the PDP,” he said.
He also warned against attempts to turn Nigeria into a one-party state, stressing that the country’s diversity makes such a political structure unrealistic.
“Nigeria cannot be a one-party state. Anyone promoting one-party rule in Nigeria is pursuing a mirage,” Dickson added.
