By Destiny Obinna
The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has reiterated his commitment to multi-party democracy and a peaceful political process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Dickson spoke when the management of Leadership Newspaper, led by its Vice Chairman, Mr Michael Okpere, paid him a formal visit at his Abuja residence to present the official notification of his selection as the Leadership Politician of the Year 2026.
The visit followed the newspaper’s earlier announcement of Dickson, who represents Bayelsa West in the Senate, as the recipient of the honour in recognition of his record of public service, political leadership and role in the emergence of the NDC as a new opposition platform in Nigeria.
Receiving the delegation, the former Bayelsa State governor expressed appreciation to the management and board of Leadership Newspaper for the recognition, particularly the manner in which he said the selection process was conducted.
Dickson said neither he nor members of his political team had prior knowledge of the nomination, adding that he was surprised when news of the award became public.
He commended Leadership Newspaper for what he described as the integrity and independence demonstrated in the award process.
According to him, the honour was not a personal achievement but belonged to the leadership, members and supporters of the NDC, as well as Nigerians who had embraced the party’s vision.
Dickson 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.
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.
The former governor recalled that the emergence of the NDC followed difficult political decisions and a determination to pursue a different political direction at a time when, in his assessment, established political structures in the country were facing serious challenges.
He said he chose not to remain in what he considered an ineffective opposition structure, while also declining to join the ruling party or the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
According to Dickson, the decision to establish a new political platform required conviction, sacrifice and the support of Nigerians and political associates who believed in the project.
He 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.
Dickson said the NDC had continued to grow through the collective efforts of its leadership, members and supporters across the country.
He used the occasion to reiterate the NDC’s commitment to multi-party democracy and a peaceful electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He called on political actors and relevant institutions to ensure that Nigerians were able to campaign and express their political choices freely, without intimidation or violence.
“We are not enemies. We are fellow Nigerians who disagree,” Dickson said, stressing that political differences should not become a basis for violence or restriction of citizens’ democratic rights.
He also called 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.
The NDC leader said the party would engage relevant security agencies ahead of its nationwide campaign activities to ensure adequate security for its candidates, officials and supporters.
