Former Bayelsa State governor and senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, has cautioned political parties against complacency, warning that recent adjustments to the electoral timetable have intensified pressure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Dickson, who serves as national leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), gave the warning during the party’s maiden National Executive Committee meeting at its national secretariat in Abuja.
He stressed that the revised timetable leaves little room for delay, urging party members to ramp up mobilisation and maximise the limited time before the polls.
“There is no time to waste,” he declared, noting that elections often present rapid growth opportunities for political parties willing to engage effectively with the electorate.
The senator dismissed concerns about the shortened timeline, insisting that victory would depend more on grassroots connection than financial muscle.
According to him, parties must focus on real voter engagement rather than relying on money or inflated support figures.
Dickson charged members to intensify voter registration efforts, particularly through the party’s e-registration process, and to build a credible support base across polling units, wards, and communities nationwide.
He also alleged that some parties were leveraging state resources to manipulate voter data, urging his party to counter such tactics by focusing on genuine, registered voters.
“Go to the people and ask if their lives are better. That is where the real campaign lies,” he said, emphasising people-driven politics over financial influence.
Earlier, the NDC National Chairman, Cleopas Moses, reaffirmed his commitment to the party’s ideals, calling on members to remain united, disciplined, and passionate in advancing its vision.
Dickson’s remarks come weeks after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) revised the 2027 election timetable following the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026.
Under the new schedule, presidential and National Assembly elections have been moved to January 2027, while governorship and state assembly polls are set for February—effectively shortening the political calendar and raising the stakes for early preparation among parties.
