2027: Dickson vows to reclaim Bayelsa, says NDC will defeat APC in future elections

Former Bayelsa State Governor and National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has vowed to mobilise support for the party’s candidates and reclaim what he described as the state’s “stolen mandate” from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Dickson stated this on Tuesday in a post on X while reflecting on the visit of the NDC Vice-Presidential Candidate, Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to Bayelsa State for the presentation of flags and certificates of return to the party’s candidates contesting various elective positions.

The former governor said he joined the party’s National Chairman, State Chairman and other leaders to welcome Kwankwaso to Bayelsa, particularly to his country home in Toru-Orua.

According to Dickson, the visit was the second time Kwankwaso had visited him, recalling that the former Kano governor had earlier visited to sympathise with him following the death of his mother.

Dickson used the occasion to reaffirm his belief that the NDC remains the right political platform for Bayelsans, promising that the party would focus on protecting the interests of the people through improved infrastructure, economic opportunities and greater participation in key sectors.

He said the party would prioritise support for businesses, create opportunities for citizens to participate in critical industries, especially oil and gas, promote asset ownership and ensure greater involvement of Bayelsans in national affairs.

The NDC leader also said the event provided an opportunity for party candidates to better understand the cultural identity and environmental challenges of Bayelsa State.

“Beyond showcasing the rich cultures and traditions of our people, the event also provided an opportunity for our candidates to better understand the terrain in which we live and the peculiar challenges associated with our physical environment,” Dickson said.

He thanked traditional rulers, chiefs, party supporters, youths, women leaders and cultural groups who participated in the event, including young people who displayed war canoe performances representing different communities.

Dickson said the turnout transformed the programme into a major political gathering and demonstrated the commitment of party supporters across the state.

He further announced that he would join the party’s candidates in their various communities to mobilise support for them, from the presidential election to the State House of Assembly contests.

The former governor also renewed his criticism of the APC’s performance in Bayelsa, insisting that the party did not secure victory in the state through the ballot.

“I reminded our people that they must work together to recover what I described as our stolen mandate, which was donated to the APC. The APC did not win Bayelsa State through the ballot,” Dickson said.

He urged Bayelsans to remain united and avoid attacking members of the ruling party, stressing that political differences should not divide the people.

“Despite our anger and disappointment, they should not attack anyone as they are still our people and it is still our government. The only thing is that we disagree with the direction they are taking the state,” he said.

Dickson recalled his role in leading the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in previous elections, saying he helped defend Bayelsa against the APC in the 2015, 2019 and 2020 elections.

He claimed that the party defeated APC candidates during those periods despite what he described as federal influence and financial strength.

The NDC leader maintained that APC had not delivered significant achievements for Bayelsa State and urged residents to support his party in upcoming elections.

However, he stressed that APC members should not be seen as enemies, describing them as “brothers, sisters and friends” despite political disagreements.

The renewed political mobilisation comes ahead of the 2027 general elections, as major political parties continue to strengthen their structures and rally support across states.