The senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Seriake Dickson, has said he has no plans to contest against Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Dickson made the clarification while speaking with journalists at his Abuja residence shortly after confirming his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party and announcing his decision to join the Nigeria Democratic Congress.
The former Bayelsa State governor explained that his current priority is to help build a strong national political platform rather than pursue personal political ambition.
According to Dickson, he and other political actors are focused on strengthening the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) into a credible national party capable of attracting Nigerians from different political backgrounds.
He noted that the broader goal of the emerging political movement is to eventually contest and win 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.
The senator also pointed to the political atmosphere following the 2023 elections, saying the level of public frustration and dissatisfaction could create room for a credible alternative platform.
“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 President Tinubu in 2027, Dickson dismissed the speculation.
According to him, discussions about presidential candidates are not the party’s immediate focus.
“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.
He also downplayed ongoing debates about zoning arrangements and political permutations ahead of the 2027 election.
Dickson argued that political leaders should concentrate on building strong party structures and strengthening 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 added.
Dickson used the opportunity to invite politicians across Nigeria with various political ambitions to join the NDC, describing it as an open platform for Nigerians seeking elective offices.
According to him, the party welcomes individuals aspiring to become president, governors, senators, members of the House of Representatives, state lawmakers, and local government officials.
“With the Nigeria Democratic Congress, the political landscape has changed,” he said.
The senator had earlier announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party, citing deepening internal crisis and leadership challenges within the party.
He lamented that the party, which once dominated Nigeria’s political scene, had been weakened by internal conflicts.
Dickson blamed the current situation largely on the actions of some party leaders, especially governors.
“The governors and other party leaders must accept responsibility for the avoidable and self-inflicted damage that has weakened the PDP,” he said.
Despite leaving the party, he admitted having an emotional attachment to it because of its role in Nigeria’s democratic development.
Dickson also cautioned against the possibility of Nigeria drifting into a one-party state.
According to him, Nigeria’s diverse political and ethnic composition makes such a situation unrealistic.
“Nigeria cannot function as a one-party state. Anyone advocating for that idea is pursuing an illusion,” he warned.
