Senator Seriake Dickson, who represents Bayelsa West Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has stated that he is not currently planning to contest against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
The former governor of Bayelsa State made this clarification while speaking with journalists during a press briefing held at his residence in Abuja. His comments came shortly after he announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his decision to join the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Dickson explained that his primary objective at the moment is not personal political ambition but the establishment of a strong and credible political platform that can attract Nigerians from different backgrounds. According to him, he and other political stakeholders are concentrating their efforts on building the NDC into a viable national party capable of competing for power in the future.
He emphasized that political parties are ultimately shaped by the people who belong to them rather than by their names or labels. With the right individuals and structures in place, he said, any party can become a formidable force capable of winning elections at the national level.
Addressing speculations that his move to the NDC might signal an early attempt to challenge Tinubu for the presidency in 2027, Dickson dismissed the suggestion. He noted that discussions about presidential ambitions are premature at this stage, stressing that the party’s immediate priority is to create a solid organisational foundation.
The senator also downplayed the growing national conversation about zoning arrangements and potential presidential candidates ahead of the next general election cycle. According to him, Nigerian politics should focus more on strengthening party structures and democratic institutions rather than rushing into debates about which region should produce the next president.
Dickson warned that many political parties often make the mistake of prioritizing individual ambitions over party development. He argued that building a strong political institution first would naturally allow leadership questions and candidate selections to resolve themselves when the time comes.
While maintaining that he possesses the qualifications to run for higher office, the lawmaker insisted that such considerations are not his immediate concern.
The former governor further used the opportunity to invite politicians and aspiring candidates across the country to join the NDC. He said the party is positioning itself as an inclusive platform open to individuals interested in contesting for various political offices, including the presidency, governorships, seats in the National Assembly, state legislatures, and local government positions.
Dickson added that the party is committed to welcoming Nigerians who are passionate about governance and national development, regardless of their political background.
Responding to concerns that members of the ruling party might infiltrate the new platform, he maintained that the NDC is open to all citizens who share its vision. He expressed confidence that the party’s leadership would be capable of managing any internal challenges that might arise in the future.
The senator also clarified that the newly formed Nigeria Democratic Congress should not be mistaken for the defunct Niger Delta Congress. According to him, the NDC has been established as a nationwide political movement designed to provide a fresh alternative in Nigeria’s political landscape.
0 Comments