Senator Seriake Dickson, who represents Bayelsa West Senatorial District, says he has no immediate plan to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
The former Bayelsa State governor explained that his current focus is on building a strong political platform rather than pursuing personal ambition.
Dickson made the remark in Abuja shortly after announcing his exit from the Peoples Democratic Party and his decision to join the Nigeria Democratic Congress.
Speaking with journalists at his residence, the lawmaker said he and other political figures are concentrating on strengthening the new party into a national platform capable of drawing support from Nigerians across different political groups.
“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.
When asked if joining the party formed part of a strategy to contest against Tinubu in 2027, Dickson dismissed the idea. He stressed that the party’s priority remains building a strong structure before discussing presidential ambitions.
“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 said.
The senator also addressed conversations around zoning and possible presidential ticket arrangements ahead of the 2027 election, saying such discussions should not overshadow the need to strengthen political parties and democratic structures.
“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,” he stated.
Dickson also called on politicians with different political aspirations to consider joining the party, saying the platform is open to Nigerians seeking elective positions across the country.
“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 said.
Addressing fears that members of the ruling party could secretly join the platform to undermine it, the senator said the party would remain open while handling any challenge that may arise internally.
He said, “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.
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“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.”
Dickson also clarified that the new political party should not be mistaken for the defunct Niger Delta Congress, explaining that the current organisation was established as a national platform.
“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 said.
Earlier, Dickson formally confirmed his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party, pointing to deep internal disagreements and leadership challenges within the opposition party.
He said the party, once dominant in Nigeria’s political scene, had weakened over time due to internal disputes and poor leadership decisions.
The lawmaker said he still feels a strong connection to the party because of its role in Nigeria’s democratic history but noted that ongoing crises forced him to move on.
“The governors and other leaders must take responsibility for the avoidable, self-inflicted destruction of the PDP,” he said.
Dickson also warned against any move that could push Nigeria toward a one-party political structure, arguing that the country’s diversity makes such a system unrealistic.
“Nigeria cannot be a one-party state. Anyone promoting one-party rule in Nigeria is pursuing a mirage.”