Count me out of 2027 Presidential race-Senator Dickson

The senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Seriake Dickson, has ruled out any immediate plan to contest the 2027 presidential election, stating that his priority is to help build the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) into a credible national political platform.

Dickson clarified while speaking with journalists at his residence in Abuja, shortly after announcing his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his decision to join the newly registered party.

The former Bayelsa State governor said discussions about the 2027 presidential race were premature, stressing that he and other political stakeholders were currently focused on strengthening the party’s structure across the country.

“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.

He explained that the NDC was designed as a broad-based national platform capable of attracting Nigerians across political divides and providing a viable alternative in the country’s political space.

According to him, the immediate goal of the party is to consolidate its structures and mobilise support nationwide before discussing electoral ambitions.

“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,” he said.

Mr Dickson also played down the ongoing debate about zoning and permutations surrounding the 2027 presidential election, arguing that political actors should prioritise building strong political institutions rather than focusing solely on who emerges as candidates.

“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,” he said.

Although he said he was “eminently qualified” for the presidency, the lawmaker maintained that seeking the office was not currently on his agenda.

Mr Dickson also invited politicians across the country with different political ambitions to join the NDC, assuring that the party would provide a platform for aspirants at all levels of government.