APC Will Be Defeated Massively – Dickson

Former Bayelsa State Governor and leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, has expressed confidence that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will suffer a “massive” defeat in the 2027 general election.

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

Asked whether he believed the NDC had a realistic chance of winning the next presidential election, despite President Bola Tinubu seeking re-election, Dickson insisted the outcome would be determined by Nigerians rather than any individual or institution.

“Of course, as leader of NDC and as a Nigerian, who knows the feelings and the yearnings of Nigerians, who also knows that the aspirations have not been met, we believe that the APC government, APC as a party, not just presidency, APC will be defeated massively,” he said.

“But it’s not for one person to decide. It’s a decision for Nigerians. And that’s why you must open up the political space and not constrict it.”

The former governor warned against what he described as attempts to undermine the democratic process through judicial manipulation, urging institutions responsible for safeguarding democracy to remain impartial.

He also cautioned against using “contrived legal shenanigans” and the judiciary to “authenticate and legitimise… what is morally reprehensible.”

Drawing a comparison to Nigeria’s political history, Dickson referenced the era of the Association for Better Nigeria, saying the country should avoid repeating actions that could undermine democratic principles.

The former governor further argued that politics should not be treated as a winner-takes-all contest, saying political actors must be willing to accept both victory and defeat.

“Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. Sometimes you lose, you win more. So that is the attitude that it should be,” he said.

Dickson’s comments follow a recent court judgment ordering the NDC’s deregistration.