2027: NDC Open to Opposition Coalition, Wants Parties to Back Obi – Dickson

The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, has said the party remains open to coalition talks with other opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, expressing optimism that any alliance would ultimately support the NDC’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

Dickson stated this during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, where he was asked whether the NDC would consider working with other opposition leaders, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

According to him, the NDC is willing to engage in discussions with like-minded political parties but will not pre-empt the outcome of any negotiations.

“As an opposition leader, our party, the NDC, will be open to conversations within that space. We hope that whatever discussions take place will lead to the NDC candidates being backed because we know the value of the candidates we are putting forward.

“We are not claiming superiority. After the nomination process has ended, we will move into another phase of discussions. Whether there will be an agreement, I don’t know. We will try. Where it will lead, I don’t know, but all those are options that remain open,” he said.

Dickson’s comments come amid renewed efforts by opposition parties to build a formidable alliance capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.

The opposition realignment has evolved significantly since 2025, when key political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, initially united under the platform of the African Democratic Congress. However, internal disagreements, legal disputes and organisational challenges later saw Obi leave the ADC to emerge as the NDC’s presidential candidate, while Atiku retained the ADC presidential ticket.

Despite the divisions, Dickson maintained that the APC could be defeated if the electoral process is transparent and credible.

“As leader of the NDC, and as a Nigerian who knows the feelings and yearnings of Nigerians, we believe that the APC government and the APC as a party will be defeated massively. Allow every party that wants to contest. You can only defeat them in an electoral contest. Let us have a free and fair election,” he said.

The former Bayelsa State governor also dismissed the lawsuit seeking the deregistration of the NDC, describing it as politically motivated and without merit.

He expressed confidence that the legal challenge would not affect the party’s participation in future elections, insisting that all NDC candidates would remain on the ballot.

Dickson further rejected claims challenging the party’s logo, arguing that the peace sign adopted by the NDC is a universal symbol that has been used for decades by prominent global leaders and movements, adding that the party complied with all constitutional and legal requirements during its registration.