Photo : Seriake Dickson with members of the support organizations
By Mandy Park
Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has issued a stark warning about the threat of political violence ahead of forthcoming general elections, calling for robust international monitoring and firm action against those who arm thugs to intimidate voters.
In a statement posted on his X handle yesterday, Dickson revealed he received a joint delegation from the International Republican Institute (IRI) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) – two prominent US-based democracy support organisations.
The former Bayelsa State governor, who led the state while in opposition, painted a grim picture of the political climate facing opposition parties in Nigeria.
He accused some within the ruling establishment of “desperate and criminally minded” behaviour, alleging that rather than mobilising genuine political support, certain individuals “resort to buying arms, training individuals, recruiting armed thugs and colluding with security personnel to maim and kill.”
“This has become a recurring pattern during election seasons,” Dickson warned, noting that some of these individuals “continue to receive government patronage. Some have become ministers, while others are candidates for elections.”
The NDC leader demanded that “terrorist masquerading as politicians must be treated as terrorists everywhere around the world,” and called for international collaboration to “name, shame and sanction” those responsible for election violence.
Dickson also issued a clarion call for institutional integrity, insisting that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must be genuinely independent, the judiciary truly impartial, and security agencies must “not function merely as extensions of the political party in power.”
“We are determined to ensure that Nigerians are able to vote freely and that their votes count,” he declared, calling for “robust and independent monitoring, particularly in the Niger Delta and Bayelsa State.”
The NDC, which Dickson described as “the newest political party and one of the fastest-growing opposition platforms in Nigeria,” has pledged to champion multiparty democracy despite the sacrifices involved.
“All political leaders, regardless of party affiliation, should demonstrate patriotism and remain committed to protecting Nigeria’s national institutions,” he concluded.
