Senator Seriake Dickson, leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has expressed robust confidence that President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Plastics Congress (APC) will face significant defeat in the upcoming 2027 general elections, provided the elections are conducted in a free and fair manner. During an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Dickson highlighted the growing dissatisfaction among the populace regarding the APC-led governance, which he believes will translate into electoral losses for the party.

Dickson emphasized the importance of an open democratic process, calling on electoral authorities to ensure that all political entities can participate without impediment. “Allow every party that wants to contest. You can only defeat them in an electoral contest,” he urged, reiterating the necessity for fair elections to allow the electorate to express their will.

Additionally, as the NDC ponders alliances with other opposition groups in anticipation of the 2027 elections, Dickson asserted that they remain open to discussions. He hinted at a preference for a coalition that would back NDC candidates, recognizing the merit of their nominations. “As an opposition leader, our party, the NDC, will be open to conversations within that space,” he commented, although he cautioned that any predictions regarding the outcome of coalition negotiations are premature. He alluded to the evolving political landscape, which has seen key figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi involved in realignment discussions.

Furthermore, Dickson addressed a legal challenge aimed at the deregistration of the NDC, labeling it as “frivolous” and politically motivated. He expressed confidence that this lawsuit will not hinder the party’s participation in the forthcoming elections, asserting compliance with all registration requirements as dictated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary. He also contended that challenges regarding the party’s logo lack merit, declaring that no individual or organization can claim exclusive ownership of the internationally recognized peace symbol, which has a longstanding history of use.