The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, has said the party is open to coalition discussions with other opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on *Channels Television's Sunday Politics*, Dickson said the NDC would engage in talks with like-minded political parties after its nomination process, while expressing hope that any alliance would eventually support the party's candidates.
"As an opposition leader, we will be open. Our party, the NDC, will be open to conversations within that space," he said.
Dickson, however, said it was too early to predict the outcome of the discussions.
"It is not for me or anyone to pre-empt those discussions. 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.
"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," he added.
His comments come as opposition parties continue efforts to strengthen alliances ahead of the 2027 elections. Since 2025, several opposition leaders have sought to build a united front under the African Democratic Congress (ADC). However, internal disputes, legal challenges and defections have complicated those efforts.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar emerged as the ADC's presidential candidate, while former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi later left the party following internal disagreements and legal challenges before securing the NDC presidential ticket.
The ADC has also faced court cases challenging its leadership and attempts to deregister the party, raising uncertainty over the opposition's push to present a united challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Dickson also expressed confidence that the APC could be defeated if Nigerians are allowed to freely elect their leaders.
"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.
He called for a level playing field, adding, "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."
The former Bayelsa State governor also dismissed the lawsuit seeking the deregistration of the NDC, describing it as frivolous and politically motivated.
He maintained that the legal action would not affect the party's participation in future elections, insisting that all NDC candidates would appear on the ballot.
Dickson further rejected claims challenging the party's logo, arguing that no individual or organisation could claim exclusive ownership of the peace sign, which he said has been used internationally for decades.
According to him, the NDC complied with all constitutional and legal requirements during its registration and remains confident in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary.
