By Jane Salihu
National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has called for a free and peaceful political contest ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging political actors to ensure that differences do not degenerate into violence.
Dickson made the call on Thursday in Abuja when the management of LEADERSHIP Newspaper, led by its Vice Chairman, Mr Michael Okpere, paid a formal visit to his residence to present the official notification of his selection as LEADERSHIP Politician of the Year 2026.
The newspaper had earlier announced Dickson as the recipient of the prestigious honour, citing his record of public service, political leadership and role in the emergence of the NDC as a new opposition platform.
Receiving the delegation, Dickson expressed appreciation to the board and management of LEADERSHIP, describing the manner in which the selection was conducted as particularly significant.
He said neither he nor members of his political team had prior knowledge of the nomination, adding that he was surprised when the announcement of the award became public.
The former Bayelsa State governor commended the newspaper for what he described as the integrity and independence demonstrated in the award process.
Dickson said the recognition was not a personal achievement alone, but an acknowledgement of the efforts of NDC leaders, members and supporters across the country.
He dedicated the honour to party officials and members at the national, state, local government and ward levels, as well as Nigerians at home and abroad who, according to him, had embraced the party’s vision.
The NDC National Leader said the emergence of the party followed difficult political decisions and a determination to pursue a different political direction at a time when, in his assessment, existing political structures faced serious challenges.
He also 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.
Dickson subsequently used the occasion to reiterate his commitment to multiparty democracy and a peaceful political process ahead of the 2027 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,” Dickson said, stressing that political differences should not become a basis for violence or restriction of citizens’ democratic rights.
He urged 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.
He reaffirmed the party’s determination to participate fully in the 2027 electoral process and campaign across all parts of the country.
The LEADERSHIP Politician of the Year 2026 honour is part of the newspaper’s annual awards programme, with the main ceremony scheduled for December 1 at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.
Dickson thanked the LEADERSHIP board and management for the recognition and said he looked forward to joining other distinguished Nigerians at the formal ceremony.
