By Our Correspondent
National News – Senator Seriake Dickson, who represents Bayelsa West Senatorial District, has ruled out contesting against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, saying his immediate focus is building a credible political platform rather than pursuing personal ambition.
Dickson made the disclosure during a press briefing at his Abuja residence shortly after announcing his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his decision to join the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
According to the former Bayelsa State governor, the new political movement is aimed at creating a strong national platform capable of attracting Nigerians across different political backgrounds.
The senator explained that discussions about the 2027 presidential race are premature, stressing that the priority for him and his political allies is to strengthen the NDC and establish it as a viable political alternative.
“We are working to build a credible platform to offer Nigerians. At this stage, it is not about who will run for president.
It is about creating a strong political party that people across the country can trust,” Dickson said.
He also dismissed speculation that his move to the NDC was part of a plan to challenge Tinubu in the next presidential election.
While acknowledging that he is qualified to run for the nation’s top office, the lawmaker maintained that his current focus remains on party building and national political reform.
Dickson further downplayed ongoing debates around zoning and regional power rotation ahead of the 2027 polls, noting that political actors should prioritise strengthening institutions and party structures instead of focusing solely on presidential permutations.
The Bayelsa lawmaker also invited politicians with various political ambitions—from presidential hopefuls to councillorship aspirants—to join the Nigeria Democratic Congress, promising that the party would provide an open platform for democratic participation.
Addressing concerns about potential infiltration by members of rival political parties, Dickson assured that the party would remain open to Nigerians while managing any internal challenges that may arise.
He warned against the possibility of Nigeria evolving into a one-party system, stressing that the country’s diversity requires a competitive and inclusive democratic structure.
Dickson also blamed the internal crisis in the PDP on leadership failures, particularly among some governors, saying the party’s decline was largely self-inflicted.
