2027: Tinubu and APC Likely to Lose by a Large Margin in a Free, Fair Election – Dickson

Senator Seriake Dickson, the National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), said he is confident that President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) would lose the 2027 general elections if the polls are held freely and fairly.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Dickson noted that widespread dissatisfaction with the APC‑led administration would likely result in the ruling party’s electoral defeat.

“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, will be defeated massively,” he said.

He urged an open democratic process, calling on authorities to permit all political parties to participate in the elections without interference.

“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 added.

The former Bayelsa State governor said the NDC is open to talks with other opposition parties before the 2027 elections, hoping that any coalition would back the party’s candidates.

“As an opposition leader, our party, the NDC, will be open to conversations within that space,” he said.

“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.”

Dickson added that predicting the outcome of any coalition talks is premature.

“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 stated.

His remarks come as opposition parties continue to seek alliances ahead of the 2027 polls, following political realignments involving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi.

Dickson dismissed a lawsuit that sought to deregister the NDC, calling it “frivolous” and politically motivated.

He said the legal challenge would not hinder the party’s participation in future elections, insisting that all its candidates would appear on the ballot.

He added that the party met all constitutional and legal requirements during registration and remains confident in both the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary.

The former governor rejected challenges to the NDC’s logo, arguing that no person or organization can claim exclusive ownership of the internationally recognised peace sign, which he noted has been used for decades by prominent global and Nigerian leaders.