Seriake Dickson Rules Out 2027 Presidential Bid, Focuses on Building NDC

Former Bayelsa State governor and senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Seriake Dickson, has ruled out any immediate plan to contest the 2027 presidential election, saying his priority is to build the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) into a credible national political platform.

Dickson spoke with journalists at his residence in Abuja shortly after announcing his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party and his decision to join the newly registered party.

According to him, discussions about the 2027 presidential race are premature, as he and other political stakeholders are currently focused on strengthening the structure of the new party across the country.

He said the immediate task is to build a political platform capable of attracting Nigerians from different political backgrounds.

“You also talked about the presidential race. Let me tell you right away. That is 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,” Dickson said.

The senator explained that the Nigeria Democratic Congress is designed as a broad-based national platform that can provide a viable alternative in the country’s political space.

According to him, the party is working to consolidate its structures nationwide before discussions about electoral ambitions.

“We are actually aiming to take over power at the centre. And it is possible. It is human beings that make up a party. It is not the name,” he said.

Dickson also dismissed ongoing debates about zoning and political permutations surrounding the 2027 presidential election, urging political actors to focus more on building strong political institutions.

“All arguments are about who runs, who does not, and which region comes first. Let us put the party first. When it gets to that time, things will sort themselves out,” he said.

Although he said he is eminently qualified to contest for the presidency, the lawmaker stressed that seeking the office is not currently on his agenda.

Dickson also invited politicians across the country with various political ambitions to join the Nigeria Democratic Congress, assuring that the party would provide opportunities for aspirants at all levels.

“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, the senator said the party remains open to all Nigerians.

He added that any internal challenges that may arise would be addressed appropriately.

“We are open to all. If any situation arises, we will know how to handle it. But that is not the least of our worries. We want to attract good people all over this country,” he said.

Dickson also clarified that the Nigeria Democratic Congress should not be confused with the defunct Niger Delta Congress, noting that the new party was created as a national political platform rather than a regional movement.

The senator had earlier formally announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party, citing deepening internal crisis and leadership failures within the opposition party.

He said the once-dominant party had deteriorated significantly due to internal conflicts and the actions of some of its leaders.

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

The lawmaker also warned against the emergence of a one-party system in Nigeria, stressing that the country’s diversity makes such a political arrangement unsustainable.

“Nigeria cannot be a one-party state. Anyone promoting one-party rule in Nigeria is pursuing a mirage,” he said.