By Lawrence Agbo

The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, has reaffirmed the party’s willingness to engage in coalition discussions with other opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, expressing optimism that such talks could eventually produce a united front behind the NDC’s candidates.

Dickson disclosed this during an interview on Channels Television’s *Sunday Politics* while responding to questions on 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 remains committed to dialogue with like-minded political parties but stressed that no conclusions should be drawn before formal negotiations begin.

“As an opposition leader, our party will remain open to conversations within that space. It is not for me or anyone else to pre-empt those discussions. We hope that whatever discussions take place will ultimately lead to support for the NDC candidates because we know the quality of the people we are presenting,” he said.

He added that the party was not claiming to be superior to others, noting that broader negotiations would likely commence after all parties conclude their nomination processes.

“We are not saying we are better than anyone. Once nominations are concluded, another phase of engagement will begin. Whether those discussions result in an agreement remains to be seen, but every option is on the table,” Dickson stated.

His remarks come as opposition parties continue efforts to forge stronger alliances ahead of the next presidential election.

The opposition landscape has witnessed significant realignments in recent months. Earlier in 2025, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other prominent politicians adopted the ADC platform, with Atiku emerging as the party’s presidential candidate.

Former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, who was initially associated with the ADC, later exited the party following internal disputes and legal battles before securing the NDC’s presidential ticket.

The ADC has since been entangled in leadership disputes, court cases and attempts to deregister the party, developments that have complicated opposition efforts to build a united challenge against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Despite the political uncertainty, Dickson expressed confidence that the APC could be voted out if Nigerians are allowed to participate in a transparent electoral process.

“As leader of the NDC, and as someone who understands the aspirations of Nigerians, we believe the APC government and the APC as a party—not just President Bola Tinubu—will be defeated massively if the people are allowed to freely choose their leaders,” he said.

He called for a level playing field, insisting that every political party interested in contesting should be given the opportunity to do so.

“Allow every party that wants to contest. The only legitimate way to defeat any party is through a free and fair election,” he added.

President Tinubu defeated both Atiku and Obi in the 2023 presidential election, polling more than eight million votes, while the two opposition candidates each secured over six million votes.

Dickson also dismissed the lawsuit seeking the deregistration of the NDC, describing it as frivolous and politically motivated.

He maintained that the legal challenge would not prevent the party from participating in future elections, expressing confidence that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the courts would uphold the party’s registration.

“Our candidates will appear on the ballot,” he declared.

The former Bayelsa State governor further rejected claims challenging the party’s peace sign logo, arguing that no individual or organisation could claim exclusive ownership of a symbol that has been widely used around the world for decades by respected figures such as Obafemi Awolowo, Nelson Mandela, Aminu Kano and Mahatma Gandhi.

According to Dickson, the NDC complied with all constitutional and legal requirements during its registration, describing the ongoing court case as an unnecessary distraction from the country’s more pressing challenges.