By Nkechi Eze
National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, has reaffirmed his commitment to democratic pluralism and a peaceful political process, urging political actors to respect divergent views and protect citizens’ rights ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Dickson spoke on Wednesday when the management of LEADERSHIP NEWSPAPER, led by its Vice Chairman, Mr Michael Okpere, paid a formal visit to his Abuja residence to present him with the official notification of his selection as the LEADERSHIP Politician of the Year 2026.
The newspaper had earlier announced Dickson as the recipient of the award, citing 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, Dickson expressed appreciation to the board and management of LEADERSHIP for the recognition, particularly commending what he described as the integrity and independence of the selection process.
The former Bayelsa State Governor said neither he nor members of his political team were aware of the nomination before the announcement, describing the recognition as a pleasant surprise.
“I was not aware of the nomination, and neither were members of my political team. So, when the announcement came, it was a pleasant surprise,” he said.
Dickson stressed that the honour was not a personal achievement but a recognition of the collective efforts of the NDC leadership, members and supporters who had worked to build the party across the country.
“This award is not mine alone. I dedicate it to the leadership, members and supporters of the NDC at every level, particularly those at the local government and ward levels who have made sacrifices to build this political platform,” he said.
He also dedicated the honour to Nigerians at home and abroad who, according to him, had embraced the NDC’s vision of strengthening Nigeria’s democratic space.
Speaking on the emergence of the NDC, Dickson said the formation of the party followed difficult political decisions and a determination to pursue a different political direction amid what he described as challenges confronting established political structures.
He said he opted against remaining in what he considered an ineffective opposition structure and also declined to join the ruling party or the African Democratic Congress (ADC), choosing 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.
Dickson 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.
He said the NDC had continued to grow through the collective efforts of its leadership, members and supporters across the country.
On the 2027 elections, the NDC National Leader reiterated his commitment to democratic pluralism, calling on political actors and relevant institutions to ensure that Nigerians can freely campaign and express their political choices 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 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.
Dickson said the NDC would engage relevant security agencies ahead of its nationwide campaign activities to ensure adequate security for its candidates, officials and supporters.
“We are committed to participating fully in the 2027 electoral process. We will go everywhere in Nigeria and take our message to the people,” he said.
The LEADERSHIP Politician of the Year 2026 honour is part of the newspaper’s annual awards programme. In its earlier citation, LEADERSHIP highlighted Dickson’s record in public service, experience across the executive and legislative arms of government, role in the founding and emergence of the NDC, and 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.
Dickson thanked the LEADERSHIP board and management for the recognition, saying he looked forward to joining other distinguished Nigerians at the formal ceremony.
