2027: APC Will Suffer Massive Defeat If Elections Are Free And Fair – Dickson

The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, has expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) would be defeated in the 2027 general elections if the polls are conducted in a free and fair manner.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme, Dickson said the widespread dissatisfaction among Nigerians with the APC-led administration would ultimately translate into electoral defeat for the ruling party.

“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.

The former Bayelsa State governor called for an open and transparent democratic process, urging authorities to allow all political parties to freely participate in the elections without intimidation or 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,” he added.

Dickson further disclosed that the NDC remains open to discussions with other opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections, although he expressed optimism that any coalition arrangement would eventually support the party’s candidates.

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

He, however, noted that it was still too early to predict the outcome of any coalition talks, stressing that discussions among opposition parties remain ongoing.

“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,” Dickson said.

His remarks come amid renewed efforts by opposition parties to forge alliances ahead of the 2027 elections following recent political realignments involving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi.

Dickson also dismissed a lawsuit seeking the deregistration of the NDC, describing the suit as frivolous and politically motivated. He maintained that the legal challenge would not affect the party’s participation in future elections, insisting that all its candidates would appear on the ballot.

According to him, the party complied with all constitutional and legal requirements during its registration and remains confident in both the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary.

The former governor also rejected claims challenging the NDC’s logo, arguing that no individual or organisation could claim exclusive ownership of the internationally recognised peace sign, which he said has been used for decades by leaders and organisations across the world.