Senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Seriake Dickson, has said he currently has no plans to challenge President Bola Ahmed 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.
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