The synthesis, structure in the solid state, electrochemical, magnetic and optical properties of a new nickel(II) complex [Ni(ddpd)2]2+ bearing the tridentate N,N′‐dimethyl‐N,N′‐dipyridin‐2‐ylpyridine‐2,6‐diamine (ddpd) ligand are presented. The optical properties are discussed within the framework of ligand field theory.