Is Nigeria Preparing For An Election Or Political War? Dickson Demands Emergency Summit Over Attacks On NDC!
By Passman Akpos
Former Bayelsa State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has raised concerns over what he describes as increasing incidents of violence and attacks targeting the party, its candidates and supporters, warning that the trend could threaten the credibility and peaceful conduct of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement addressing the growing political tensions, Dickson condemned violence against political parties and their supporters, insisting that political disagreements and rivalries must not be allowed to degenerate into attacks capable of undermining Nigeria’s democratic process.
The former governor called on the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), the General Abdulsalami Abubakar-led National Peace Committee, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and relevant security agencies to urgently convene an all-party summit to address the rising political tensions.
According to Dickson, the proposed summit would provide an opportunity for political parties and stakeholders to reaffirm their commitment to peaceful, fair and transparent elections.
He warned that failure to address the situation could create a dangerous political environment capable of complicating or undermining the 2027 elections even before the commencement of the electoral process.
“Whatever the circumstances, violence has no place in our democratic process,” Dickson stated.
He stressed that Nigeria must not allow political competition to turn into violence, intimidation and attacks against political opponents.
DICKSON ADDRESSES INTERNAL PARTY CONCERNS
Beyond the security concerns, the NDC leader also disclosed that he had held discussions with several party leaders over concerns recently raised by some party officers.
He said he had directed the party leadership to ensure that the issues were addressed and that the interests of all stakeholders were properly considered moving forward.
Dickson further disclosed that preparations had commenced for the release of committed party members across the country for various assignments within the committees and directorates of the NDC National Campaign Council.
He said he had instructed the relevant party leaders to work with the designated team and expedite the release of the lists.
According to him, he had also engaged the party’s executive committee leadership to ensure that the process was concluded without unnecessary delays.
NDC STATE CHAPTERS TO RECEIVE FINANCIAL SUPPORT
The former governor also revealed that he had discussed financial support for the party’s various state chapters to strengthen their operations and grassroots activities.
He explained that the party leadership had been asked to make available support for state chapters while efforts continued to raise additional funds for the national campaign.
The development comes as political parties begin preparations for the 2027 general elections, with organisational structures, campaign committees and grassroots mobilisation expected to play significant roles.
DICKSON WARNS CANDIDATES OVER 2027 ELECTION AGENTS
Dickson also placed particular emphasis on the recruitment, verification, identification and training of polling unit agents, describing them as critical components of the NDC’s preparations for the 2027 elections.
He urged candidates contesting for seats in the National Assembly, state Houses of Assembly and governorship positions to take the process seriously.
According to him, candidates must work closely with the presidential campaign team to verify proposed agents and make necessary contributions, particularly in areas where they have strong political interests and grassroots structures.
He also encouraged collaboration with other political parties, excluding their main political contenders where necessary, to strengthen the presence of electoral agents across polling units nationwide.
Dickson maintained that candidates must be given significant consideration in the selection and deployment of agents because they are the individuals whose names will appear on the ballot and who will be directly involved in defending the party’s interests during elections.
However, he emphasised that such decisions must be made in consultation with the party’s leadership and other relevant stakeholders.
He disclosed that the process should be concluded quickly and decentralised to enable the uploading of agents’ details and commencement of training.
According to him, training is expected to begin later in November and continue throughout December.
“The 2027 election is an agent-based election,” Dickson stressed.
NDC LEADER THANKS NIGERIANS FOR SUPPORT
Concluding his statement, Dickson expressed appreciation to Nigerians for what he described as massive solidarity and support for the Nigeria Democratic Congress.
He urged party members, candidates and stakeholders to remain committed to the party’s organisational activities and preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
His statement combines concerns over political violence with an internal push to strengthen the party’s campaign structures, improve coordination among candidates and establish a nationwide network of trained electoral agents.
With the 2027 elections approaching, Dickson’s call for an all-party summit raises broader questions about political tolerance, electoral security, the protection of opposition parties and the responsibility of relevant institutions to prevent violence during Nigeria’s democratic process.
NDC ALL THE WAY!
— SENATOR HENRY SERIAKE DICKSON (HSD)
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WITHOUT FEAR NOR FAVOUR.
