Senator Seriake Dickson, representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District, has stated that he has no immediate plans to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, emphasising that his current priority is to help build the newly registered Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) into a credible, broad-based national political force.
The former Bayelsa State governor made the disclosure on the sidelines of a press conference at his Abuja residence shortly after formally announcing his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his defection to the NDC.
Dickson explained that the decision to join the NDC, alongside other political stakeholders, is driven by the need to create a strong alternative platform capable of attracting widespread support across Nigeria amid growing public disenchantment with the current political landscape.
“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.
Addressing speculation that his move to the NDC is part of a long-term strategy to position himself for the presidency in 2027, Dickson dismissed the notion outright.
“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 stated.
He further downplayed ongoing national discussions about zoning and presidential ticket arrangements ahead of 2027, arguing that the emphasis should be on institutional strengthening rather than early personal ambition.
“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,” Dickson added.
The senator extended an open invitation to politicians and aspiring office holders across the country — regardless of their level of ambition — to join the NDC, describing it as a platform that has fundamentally changed the political game in Nigeria.
“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 declared.
Responding to concerns that the ruling party or other interests might attempt to infiltrate the NDC as moles or saboteurs, Dickson maintained that the party remains open and inclusive while assuring that any internal challenges would be addressed decisively if they arise.
“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,” he said.
Dickson also clarified that the NDC should not be confused with the historical Niger Delta Congress, stressing that the new party is deliberately designed as a truly national political movement rather than a regional outfit.
“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 explained.
The senator’s defection from the PDP follows his formal resignation announcement on Thursday, where he cited deepening internal crises, poor leadership, and avoidable self-inflicted damage within the opposition party.
While acknowledging his emotional attachment to the PDP for its historic role in Nigeria’s democratic journey, Dickson lamented its decline, attributing much of the responsibility to governors and other party leaders.
“The governors and other leaders must take responsibility for the avoidable, self-inflicted destruction of the PDP,” he said.
He further warned against any drift toward a one-party state in Nigeria, describing such an outcome as unrealistic and unsustainable given the country’s diversity.
“Nigeria cannot be a one-party state. Anyone promoting one-party rule in Nigeria is pursuing a mirage,” Dickson concluded.
The senator urged Nigerians seeking genuine democratic renewal and stronger institutions to align with the NDC, positioning it as a credible alternative in the evolving political space ahead of future elections.
