By Tekena Amieyeofori
The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, says his party is prepared to withstand pressure from the federal government and win the 2027 general elections.
In a post on X, the former Bayelsa State governor promised that the NDC would not allow itself to be subdued by voter intimidation, violence, or the misuse of security forces and political thugs. “I want to assure you that every vote will count. There will be no room for violence, intimidation, or the deployment of security operatives and armed thugs against law-abiding citizens, as some people do. We believe the people’s will is supreme,” he said.
Dickson framed the 2027 contest as a test of democracy, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant. “Together, we must remain vigilant and ready to democratically resist intimidation, oppression, violence, inducements, and every attempt to undermine the will of our people. We have defeated federal might severally before, and, by the grace of God, we shall do so again, with me leading from the front, as you know,” he added.
The NDC has ratified former Anambra State governor Peter Obi as its presidential candidate for 2027. At a special convention in Abuja observed by INEC officials, Obi received the party’s flag from Dickson and National Chairman Senator Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe. During the event, Obi also named former Kano governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as his running mate.
Dickson described Obi’s emergence as “a major milestone in the NDC’s political journey,” noting that the party, registered only months ago, had already completed membership registration, congresses, conventions and primaries. He insisted the NDC “remains a duly registered party in Nigeria” despite a Federal High Court judgment in Lokoja, and confirmed that primaries were conducted under INEC supervision.
In recent weeks, Dickson has worked to keep the party united amid reports of friction between Obi’s supporters and the leadership. After a closed-door meeting with Obi and other chieftains, he urged members to “stop the bickering and name-calling and focus on the bigger picture,” stressing that the goal remains winning elections and “rescuing Nigeria from the misgovernance of the APC-led government.”
He warned against disparaging the NDC platform while supporting its candidates. “You cannot be supporting Peter Obi, if you are genuinely supporting him, and you are disparaging me, the leader, or the platform itself. That is nonsensical,” he said, adding that the party leadership remains intact.
The NDC has denied any pact with the NNPP in Kano, with Deputy National Publicity Secretary Abdulmumin Abdulsalam stating: “We have no pact with the NNPP or any party… The NDC is a moving train and the momentum we have at the moment is enough for us.”
Despite this, Dickson and other leaders say the party is open to building broader opposition momentum. Obi himself urged members to embrace “sacrifice, tolerance, and unity” as the NDC consolidates ahead of 2027.
With Obi as flagbearer, Kwankwaso as running mate, and Dickson leading party strategy, the NDC is positioning itself as a new opposition vehicle for 2027. Dickson’s vow to “defeat federal might” signals the party’s intent to campaign on electoral integrity, governance, and resistance to intimidation.