ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, has declared that the party is open to coalition talks with other opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, while expressing optimism that any alliance would ultimately rally behind the NDC’s candidates.
Dickson made the disclosure during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, where he said discussions with like-minded opposition parties remain an option once the nomination processes are concluded.
Responding to a question on whether the NDC would consider working with other opposition leaders, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, Dickson said the party was prepared for constructive engagement but would not pre-empt the outcome of any negotiations.
“As an opposition leader, we will be open. Our party, the NDC, will be open to conversations within that space.
“But it is not for me or anyone to pre-empt those discussions. 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.
The former Bayelsa State governor’s remarks come amid sustained efforts by opposition political parties to forge stronger alliances ahead of the 2027 elections.
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Since 2025, several leading opposition figures had attempted to build a common political platform. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), joined forces with other opposition politicians under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
However, the coalition has faced internal disagreements, legal disputes and organisational challenges. Former Anambra State governor Peter Obi eventually left the ADC following internal wrangling and legal uncertainties before emerging as the presidential candidate of the NDC.
The ADC has also been confronted with court cases challenging its leadership structure, as well as attempts to deregister the party, developments that have complicated efforts to build a united opposition capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Despite the setbacks, Dickson expressed confidence that the APC could be defeated if Nigerians are allowed to freely choose their leaders.
“As leader of the NDC, and as a Nigerian who knows the feelings and yearnings of Nigerians, and who also knows that their aspirations have not been met, we believe that the APC government, the APC as a party, not just the President (Tinubu), will be defeated massively,” he said.
He added, “Allow every party that wants to contest. You can only defeat them in an electoral contest. So, let us have a free and fair election.”
Dickson also dismissed the ongoing legal action seeking the deregistration of the NDC, describing the suit as frivolous and politically motivated.
He maintained that the court case would not affect the party’s participation in future elections, insisting that all nominations conducted by the party remain valid.
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According to him, all NDC candidates “will appear on the ballot.”
The NDC leader further rejected claims challenging the party’s logo, arguing that no individual or organisation could claim exclusive ownership of the internationally recognised peace sign.
He noted that the symbol had been used for decades by renowned global and Nigerian leaders, including Obafemi Awolowo, Nelson Mandela, Aminu Kano and Mahatma Gandhi.
Dickson insisted that the NDC fulfilled all constitutional and legal requirements before securing its registration and described the ongoing litigation as an unnecessary distraction from the country’s pressing national challenges.
He expressed confidence in both the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary to ensure that justice prevails ahead of the 2027 general elections.