2027: Dickson urges Tinubu, security agencies to douse political tension

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The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Senator Seriake Dickson, has urged President Bola Tinubu and security agencies to de-escalate political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections and ensure a peaceful environment for political parties to campaign.

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Dickson also called on political actors to allow Nigerians to freely express their political choices, warning against intimidation and violence as parties intensify preparations for the elections.

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Dickson spoke on Thursday when the management of Leadership Newspaper, led by its Vice Chairman, Michael Okpere, paid a formal visit to his Abuja residence to present him with the official notification of his selection as the newspaper’s Politician of the Year 2026.

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The call came as political parties and various political blocs intensify mobilisation and preparations ahead of the 2027 elections.

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“I call on political actors and relevant institutions to ensure that Nigerians are able to campaign and express their political choices freely without intimidation or violence.

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“I also call on President Bola Tinubu to lead efforts to de-escalate political tensions and ensure that security agencies provide a conducive environment for all political parties and candidates to campaign across the country

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“We are not enemies. We are fellow Nigerians who disagree,” Senator Dickson said, stressing that political differences should not become a basis for violence or the restriction of citizens’ democratic rights.

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Dickson, a former Bayelsa State governor and senator, said the NDC remained committed to strengthening Nigeria’s multiparty democracy and participating fully in the electoral process.

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He said the party would engage relevant security agencies ahead of its nationwide campaign activities to ensure adequate security for its candidates, officials and supporters.

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The NDC leader also reaffirmed the party’s determination to campaign across all parts of the country.

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The visit by the newspaper’s top management followed its earlier announcement of Dickson as the recipient of the honour, which it said was in recognition of his public service record, political leadership and role in the emergence of the NDC as a new opposition platform.

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Receiving the delegation, Dickson expressed appreciation to the management and board of the media house for the recognition, describing the manner in which the selection was conducted as particularly significant.

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He said neither he nor members of his political team had prior knowledge of the nomination, adding that he was surprised when the announcement became public.

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Dickson commended the management for what he described as the integrity and independence demonstrated in the award process.

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He said the honour was not a personal achievement but belonged to the NDC leadership, members and supporters, as well as Nigerians who had embraced the party’s vision.

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The former governor dedicated the award to NDC officials and members at all levels, including those at the local government and ward levels, for their sacrifices and commitment to building the party.

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He also dedicated the honour to Nigerians at home and abroad who, according to him, believed in the NDC’s vision and its commitment to strengthening the country’s democratic space.

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Dickson said the emergence of the NDC as a formidable party followed difficult political decisions and a determination to pursue a different political direction at a time when, in his assessment, established political structures were facing serious challenges.

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The senator recalled that he had chosen not to remain in what he considered an ineffective opposition structure, while also declining to join the ruling party or the ADC, opting instead to pursue the establishment of a new political platform.

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According to him, the decision required conviction, sacrifice and the support of Nigerians and political associates who believed in the project.

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Dickson particularly acknowledged the support of the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, whom he said had demonstrated confidence in the political project.

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He said the NDC had continued to grow through the collective efforts of its leadership, members and supporters across the country.

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The publication’s “Politician of the Year 2026” honour is part of the newspaper’s annual awards programme.

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The formal notification presented during Thursday’s visit precedes the main awards ceremony scheduled for December 1 at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

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