2027 Presidency: Senator Douye Diri Reveals Ambition To Take On Tinubu

The senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Seriake Dickson, has clarified that he currently has no plans to contest against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Dickson emphasized that his focus is on establishing a credible political platform rather than pursuing personal ambitions. The former Bayelsa State governor made the remarks while speaking to journalists at a press briefing held at his Abuja residence, following his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and subsequent defection to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

According to Dickson, his immediate priority, together with other political stakeholders, is to strengthen the NDC into a viable national party. “We are aiming to take power at the centre, and it is possible. A party is made up of people, not just a name,” he said.

He dismissed speculation that his move to the NDC was part of a plan to challenge Tinubu in 2027. “Regarding the presidential race, that’s not our focus. Our goal is to build a credible platform to offer Nigerians and attract as many people as possible,” Dickson said.

On the ongoing national discourse about zoning and presidential ticket arrangements ahead of 2027, he urged political actors to prioritize strengthening political parties and institutions first. “Politics is more than who runs, who doesn’t, or which region comes first. Let’s build the party first; everything else will follow. For now, I am not focused on the presidency, even though I am qualified,” he added.

Dickson also invited politicians from across the country to join the NDC, describing it as a broad-based national platform. “We want everyone—those interested in presidential, governorship, senatorial, House of Reps, state assembly, chairmanship, and councillorship positions—to come to the NDC. With this party, the game has changed,” he said.

Addressing concerns about potential infiltration by members of the ruling party, Dickson stressed that the NDC remains open to all Nigerians. “We are open to everyone. Any situation that arises, we’ll handle it, but that’s not our main worry. Our focus is attracting good people across the country,” he noted.

He also clarified that the NDC should not be confused with the defunct Niger Delta Congress, emphasizing that the newly registered party is designed as a national platform. “I am a pan-Nigerian politician. The old Niger Delta Congress is different from this Nigeria Democratic Congress,” he said.

Reflecting on his resignation from the PDP, Dickson attributed the party’s crisis to internal conflicts and leadership failures. “The governors and other leaders must take responsibility for the self-inflicted collapse of the PDP,” he said, warning against moves that could turn Nigeria into a one-party state.