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.

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.

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.

“All those who have presidential, governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives, state House of Assembly, chairmanship and councillorship interests should come to the Nigeria Democratic Congress. With NDC, the game has changed,” he said.

Responding to concerns that members of the ruling party might infiltrate the new platform as moles, the senator said the party remained open to all Nigerians, adding that any internal challenges would be addressed if they arise.

“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,” he stated.

Dickson also clarified that the NDC should not be confused with the defunct Niger Delta Congress, noting that the newly registered party was created as a national political platform rather than a regional movement.

The senator had earlier formally announced his resignation from the PDP, citing deepening internal crisis and leadership failures within the opposition party.

He lamented that the party, once dominant in Nigeria’s political landscape, had deteriorated significantly due to internal conflicts and the actions of some leaders, particularly governors.

“The governors and other leaders must take responsibility for the avoidable, self-inflicted destruction of the PDP,” he said.

Dickson also warned against the emergence of a one-party system in Nigeria, stressing that the country’s diversity makes such a political arrangement unsustainable.

“Nigeria cannot be a one-party state. Anyone promoting one-party rule in Nigeria is pursuing a mirage,” he added. (The Sun)