Ex-Bayelsa Governor Seriake Dickson Cautions Atiku, Amaechi, El-Rufai Over New Anti-Tinubu Coalition

Former Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Seriake Dickson, has issued a veiled warning to key political figures spearheading a new opposition coalition aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

Dickson’s comments come on the heels of a high-profile gathering in Abuja to mark the 60th birthday of former Minister of Transportation and ex-Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi. The event drew several political heavyweights, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

Atiku, in his remarks at the event, declared that he, Amaechi, and El-Rufai were now “conspirators” united in their opposition to President Tinubu’s administration. The trio are believed to be central figures in the emerging political alliance designed to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC) government in the next election cycle.

Reacting to the growing coalition, Dickson warned his colleagues to reflect on the consequences of similar political collaborations in the past. He referenced the 2015 coalition that led to the defeat of the then-incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan, saying it ultimately failed to deliver the promised change to Nigerians.

“When I came in here and climbed up here, I’ve seen a lot of you,” Dickson said. “There are a number of you who are expert conspirators, who know how to assemble coalitions and then take out governments—as you did to my party in 2015.”

He continued: “You took out what was described as a clueless government, and now 11 years down the line, we thought there would have been no weaponization of poverty and that all of Nigeria’s challenges would have disappeared. But that has not happened.”

In a cautionary tone, Dickson advised the coalition leaders to tread carefully: “The only advice I can give, not being a professional coalition builder or conspirator as some of you are, is at this time—shine your eyes.”

Dickson’s remarks underscore growing tensions as Nigeria’s political landscape shifts in anticipation of the 2027 polls. While the coalition has not yet formally declared its structure or goals, its emergence signals the beginning of what could be a fierce political showdown in the coming years.