By Mandy Park
The management of LEADERSHIP NEWSPAPER, led by its Vice Chairman, Mr. Michael Okpere, Thursday paid a formal visit to the National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, at his residence in Abuja to present him with the official notification of his selection as LEADERSHIP Politician of the Year 2026, with the NDC leader restating his commitment to ensuring that Nigeria remains a multi-party democracy.
The visit by the top management of the newspaper group followed LEADERSHIP’s earlier announcement of Senator Dickson as the recipient of the prestigious honour, which the newspaper said was in recognition of his distinguished record of public service, political leadership and his role in the emergence of the NDC as a new opposition platform in Nigeria.
Receiving the delegation, Senator Dickson expressed appreciation to the management and board of LEADERSHIP for the recognition, describing the manner in which the selection was conducted as particularly significant.
The NDC National Leader noted that neither he nor members of his political team had prior knowledge of the nomination, saying he was therefore taken by surprise when the news of the award became public.
He commended LEADERSHIP for what he described as the integrity and independence demonstrated in the award process.
Senator Dickson said the honour was not a personal achievement but one that belonged to the NDC leadership, its members and supporters, as well as Nigerians who had embraced the party’s vision.
He dedicated the award to the officials and members of the NDC at all levels, including those at the local government and ward levels, for their sacrifices and commitment to building the party.
He futher dedicated the honour to Nigerians at home and abroad who, according to him, had believed in the vision of the NDC and its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic space.
The former Bayelsa State Governor said 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, the country’s established political structures were facing serious challenges.
He 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.
According to him, the decision required conviction, sacrifice and the support of Nigerians and political associates who believed in the project.
Senator Dickson particularly acknowledged the support of the NDC presidential candidate, His Excellency Peter Obi, and former Kano State Governor, His Excellency Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, whom he said had demonstrated confidence in the political project.
He said the NDC had continued to grow through the collective efforts of its leadership, members and supporters across the country.
The NDC National Leader used the occasion to reiterate the party’s commitment to multiparty democracy and a peaceful political process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He called on political actors and relevant institutions to ensure that Nigerians are able to campaign and express their political choices freely without intimidation or violence.
“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.
He also called on President Bola Ahmed 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.
Senator Dickson said the NDC would engage the relevant security agencies ahead of its nationwide campaign activities to ensure adequate security for its candidates, officials and supporters.
He reaffirmed the party’s determination to participate fully in the 2027 electoral process and to campaign across all parts of the country.
The LEADERSHIP Politician of the Year 2026 honour is part of the newspaper’s annual awards programme. In its earlier citation, LEADERSHIP highlighted Senator Dickson’s record in public service, his experience across the executive and legislative arms of government, his role in the founding and emergence of the NDC, and his contribution to Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
The formal notification presented during Wednesday’s visit precedes the main awards ceremony scheduled for December 1 at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.
Senator Dickson thanked the LEADERSHIP board and management for the recognition and said he looked forward to joining other distinguished Nigerians at the formal ceremony.
