By Chimezie Godfrey
National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has reaffirmed his commitment to multiparty democracy and called on political actors to ensure that Nigerians are free to express their political choices without intimidation or violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Dickson spoke on Thursday when the management of LEADERSHIP Newspaper, led by its Vice Chairman, Mr Michael Okpere, visited him at his residence in Abuja to formally present the 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.
Receiving the delegation, Dickson expressed appreciation to the management and board of LEADERSHIP, describing the process through which he was selected as particularly significant.
The former Bayelsa State governor said neither he nor members of his political team had prior knowledge of the nomination, adding that he was surprised when the announcement became public.
He commended the newspaper for what he described as the integrity and independence demonstrated in the award process.
Dickson said the honour was not solely a personal achievement, but belonged to the leadership, members and supporters of the NDC, as well as Nigerians who had embraced the party’s vision.
He dedicated the recognition to NDC officials and members at all levels, including those at the local government and ward levels, for their sacrifices and commitment to building the party.
The NDC leader also dedicated the honour to Nigerians at home and abroad who, according to him, believed in the party’s vision and its commitment to strengthening the country’s democratic space.
Dickson 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, established political structures were facing serious challenges.
He recalled that he had decided not to remain in what he considered an ineffective opposition structure and also declined to join the ruling party or the ADC, 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.
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.
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 elections.
He urged political actors and relevant institutions to ensure that Nigerians were allowed 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 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 protection for its candidates, officials and supporters.
He reaffirmed the party’s determination to participate fully in the 2027 electoral process and campaign across the country.
The LEADERSHIP Politician of the Year 2026 award is part of the newspaper’s annual awards programme. In its earlier citation, the newspaper highlighted Dickson’s public service record, 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 the 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 and said he looked forward to joining other distinguished Nigerians at the formal ceremony.