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, expressing hope that any eventual alliance would rally behind the NDC’s candidates.
Dickson made the disclosure 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) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
According to him, the NDC remains willing to engage in discussions with parties and political actors seeking a united opposition front, but stressed that it was too early to determine the outcome of such negotiations.
He explained that once political parties conclude their nomination processes, attention would shift to possible alliance talks, adding that while no agreement has been reached, every option remains on the table.
The former Bayelsa State governor said the party hoped any coalition arrangement would eventually support the NDC’s candidates, noting that the party believes it has credible flag bearers capable of leading the country.
His comments come at a time when opposition parties are weighing strategies to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
The opposition landscape has changed significantly since 2025, when several prominent politicians united under the ADC platform.
However, internal disagreements, leadership disputes, court cases and defections—including Peter Obi’s move to the NDC—have weakened efforts to maintain a united opposition bloc.
Dickson also expressed confidence that the APC could be defeated if Nigerians are allowed to vote freely in a transparent electoral process.
He argued that many Nigerians remain dissatisfied with the current administration and insisted that political parties should be allowed to test their popularity at the polls rather than through legal or administrative obstacles.
He further dismissed the lawsuit seeking the deregistration of the NDC, describing it as frivolous and politically motivated. According to him, the legal challenge poses no threat to the party’s participation in future elections, maintaining that all NDC candidates will appear on the ballot.
The senator also defended the party’s logo against claims challenging its use, insisting that the peace sign is a universally recognised symbol that cannot be exclusively owned by any individual or organisation.
He maintained that the NDC complied with all constitutional and legal requirements during its registration and expressed confidence that both the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary would uphold the party’s rights.
Dickson urged that all political parties be allowed to participate freely in the democratic process, maintaining that electoral contests—not court actions—should determine the choice of Nigeria’s leaders.
