The senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Seriake Dickson, has stated that he has no immediate plans to contest the presidency against Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 election, stressing that his current focus is on strengthening a new political platform rather than pursuing personal ambition.
Dickson made this known while speaking with journalists on the sidelines of a press conference at his residence in Abuja, shortly after confirming his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party and his decision to join the Nigeria Democratic Congress.
The former governor of Bayelsa State said his immediate priority, alongside other political stakeholders, is to build the Nigeria Democratic Congress into a credible national platform capable of attracting Nigerians across different political divides.
According to him, political parties are defined not by their names but by the people who make them up, adding that with the right leadership and public support, the new party could emerge as a strong contender for power at the centre.
“We are actually aiming to take over power at the centre, and it is possible. It’s human beings that make up a party; it’s not the name,” Dickson said.
He noted that the outcome of the 2023 general election revealed widespread dissatisfaction among Nigerians, describing the current mood in the country as one marked by frustration, hunger and growing disenchantment with existing political structures.
Dickson argued that such sentiments could create opportunities for a new political platform to gain traction if it presents credible leadership and policies capable of addressing the country’s challenges.
“When 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 added.
However, when asked whether his defection to the Nigeria Democratic Congress signalled a plan to challenge President Tinubu in the 2027 presidential race, the senator dismissed the suggestion, insisting that discussions about presidential ambitions are premature.
“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,” Dickson said.
Political observers say Dickson’s move could signal early efforts to reshape Nigeria’s opposition landscape ahead of the next general election cycle, as new alliances and political realignments continue to emerge across the country.
