Dickson Says APC Has Set Nigeria Back Since 2015, Targets NDC Victory in 2027

The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government of setting Nigeria back since 2015, declaring that his party is determined to win the 2027 presidential election.

Dickson called on Nigerian youths to mobilise support for NDC candidates across the country, stressing that the party was also targeting a majority of seats in the National Assembly to enable it to implement its proposed reforms.

The former Bayelsa State governor made the remarks on Wednesday in Abuja while receiving members of The Dickson Movement for Democracy, led by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Ogbidi.

The group adopted Dickson as its Grand Patron during the visit.

He said Nigeria needed a new political direction to address insecurity, poverty, unemployment and the economic hardship confronting citizens, arguing that the country had experienced significant setbacks under the APC since it assumed power in 2015.

According to him, the NDC was positioning itself as an alternative capable of restoring confidence in governance and improving the living conditions of Nigerians.

“The ticket of the NDC is a ticket of restoration of our country,” Dickson declared.

He described the 2027 general election as a critical opportunity for Nigerians to determine the country’s future, urging citizens to support candidates with clear plans for national development.

Dickson said the party was particularly focused on winning the presidency on the first ballot, adding that securing a majority in the National Assembly would be essential to achieving its reform agenda.

“The presidential election is very important to us. All elections are important. We want to win the presidency on the first ballot. We also want to win a majority of seats in the National Assembly, where our president and vice president can run the government of reform and transformation,” he said.

The NDC leader urged young Nigerians to take an active role in the electoral process, noting that their participation would be crucial to determining the outcome of the 2027 elections.

He also cautioned against electoral malpractice, particularly vote-buying and intimidation, urging supporters to remain peaceful and defend their votes through lawful means.

“We are not for violence. We are not for abuses,” Dickson said, calling on party members to concentrate on communicating the NDC’s policies and programmes rather than engaging in personal attacks against political opponents.

He maintained that the party’s campaign should be driven by ideas, national development and the need to improve governance.

Dickson’s comments come as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with the ruling APC and opposition parties seeking to consolidate their support bases and attract undecided voters.

The NDC is seeking to expand its national presence and build a coalition of supporters capable of challenging the ruling party at the presidential and legislative levels.

Dickson expressed confidence in the party’s prospects, urging its members and supporters to organise at the grassroots and work towards delivering victory for its candidates across the country.