2027: Dickson Urges Tinubu, Security Agencies to De-escalate Political Tension

National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Senator Seriake Dickson, has urged President Bola Tinubu and security agencies to take steps to de-escalate political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Dickson called for a peaceful political environment in which parties and candidates can campaign freely, while Nigerians are allowed to express their political preferences without intimidation or violence.

The former Bayelsa State governor made the call on Thursday when the management of Leadership Newspaper, led by its Vice Chairman, Michael Okpere, visited his Abuja residence to formally notify him of his selection as the newspaper’s Politician of the Year 2026.

His appeal came amid increasing mobilisation by political parties and emerging political alliances ahead of the 2027 elections.

Dickson said political differences should not be allowed to degenerate into hostility or violence, stressing that all political actors remained Nigerians despite their differing affiliations and positions.

“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.

“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.

“We are not enemies. We are fellow Nigerians who disagree,” he said.

The senator said the NDC remained committed to strengthening Nigeria’s multiparty democracy and participating fully in the electoral process.

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

Dickson also reaffirmed the NDC’s determination to campaign across the country.

Speaking on the award, Dickson expressed appreciation to the management and board of Leadership Newspaper, saying he was particularly impressed by the manner in which the selection was conducted.

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

Dickson described the recognition as a reflection of the collective efforts of the NDC leadership, members and supporters rather than a personal achievement.

He dedicated the award to party officials and members at the national, state, local government and ward levels, as well as Nigerians at home and abroad who, he said, had embraced the party’s vision.

The former governor said the emergence of the NDC followed difficult political decisions and a determination by its promoters to pursue a different political direction at a time when established opposition structures were facing challenges.

Dickson said he had opted against remaining within what he regarded as an ineffective opposition structure and also declined to join the ruling party or the African Democratic Congress, choosing instead to pursue the establishment of a new political platform.

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

Dickson said the NDC had continued to expand through the collective efforts of its leaders, members and supporters across the country.

The Politician of the Year 2026 honour is part of Leadership Newspaper’s annual awards programme.

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