National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Senator Seriake Dickson, has called on President Bola Tinubu and security agencies to take steps to reduce political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Dickson urged political actors and relevant institutions to ensure that Nigerians are able to campaign and express their political choices without intimidation, violence or restrictions.
The former Bayelsa State governor made the call on Thursday in Abuja when the management of Leadership Newspaper, led by its Vice Chairman, Michael Okpere, visited him to formally present notification of his selection as the newspaper’s Politician of the Year 2026.
Dickson specifically appealed to President Tinubu to lead efforts to de-escalate political tensions and direct security agencies to provide a conducive environment for political parties and candidates to campaign across the country.
He said political disagreements should not be allowed to develop into violence or become a reason to restrict citizens from exercising their democratic rights.
“We are not enemies. We are fellow Nigerians who disagree,” Dickson said, according to The PUNCH.
The NDC leader also said his party would engage security agencies ahead of its nationwide campaign activities to ensure adequate protection for its candidates, officials and supporters.
He reaffirmed the party’s intention to participate fully in the 2027 electoral process and campaign across the country, saying the NDC remained committed to multiparty democracy.
The call comes amid broader concerns about political tension as parties and political groups intensify preparations for the 2027 elections.
Earlier in September, the Nigeria Police Force and the National Peace Committee led by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, increased efforts to monitor political developments and address issues capable of escalating tensions ahead of the elections. The National Peace Committee has activated mechanisms for monitoring alleged breaches of the political accord, while the police have investigated controversial statements by some political actors.
The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution has also announced plans to activate its national conflict telephony system to monitor and report incidents of electoral and political violence ahead of the 2027 elections.
The institute said reports generated through the system would be escalated to relevant stakeholders for early intervention, with the police, Department of State Services and hospitals expected to complement its efforts.
Against this background, Dickson stressed the importance of allowing political competition to take place without intimidation.
He said the NDC was committed to building a political platform that would strengthen Nigeria’s multiparty democratic system.
Dickson also spoke about the Leadership Newspaper recognition, expressing appreciation to the organisation for selecting him as its Politician of the Year 2026.
He said he had no prior knowledge of the nomination and described the recognition as a surprise. According to him, the award should not be viewed as a personal achievement but as recognition of the NDC leadership, members and supporters who have contributed to the development of the party.
The former governor also dedicated the honour to Nigerians at home and abroad who, according to him, had embraced the NDC’s political vision.
Dickson recalled his decision to pursue the formation of the NDC rather than remain within what he described as an ineffective opposition structure or join the ruling All Progressives Congress or the African Democratic Congress.
He acknowledged the support of NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi and former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, whom he said had shown confidence in the political project.
The Leadership Newspaper award ceremony is scheduled to take place on December 1 at the International Conference Centre in Abuja.
With political parties already expanding their organisational and campaign structures, calls from political leaders and peace-building institutions for restraint and peaceful competition are expected to remain part of the national conversation as Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 elections.
