National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress(NDC), Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has warned political actors against turning differences ahead of the 2027 elections into violence, intimidation or restrictions on citizens’ democratic rights.
Dickson made the call in Abuja on Wednesday while receiving the management of LEADERSHIP Newspaper, which formally presented him with notification of his selection as the LEADERSHIP Politician of the Year 2026.

The former Bayelsa State governor said Nigeria’s democracy could only thrive when political parties were allowed to compete freely and citizens could express their political choices without fear.
“We are not enemies. We are fellow Nigerians who disagree,” Dickson said, stressing that political disagreements should never become justification for violence or the suppression of democratic rights.

He called on political actors and relevant institutions to work towards a peaceful electoral environment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Dickson also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to lead efforts to reduce political tensions and ensure that security agencies provide a conducive environment for all political parties and candidates to campaign across the country.

He said the NDC would engage security agencies ahead of its nationwide campaign activities to secure its candidates, officials and supporters.
The NDC leader reaffirmed the party’s commitment to multiparty democracy, saying the party would participate fully in the 2027 electoral process and campaign across the country.

Dickson described the LEADERSHIP recognition as a surprise, saying neither he nor members of his political team had prior knowledge of the nomination.
He commended the newspaper’s management and board for what he described as the integrity and independence of the selection process.

The former governor said the honour was not solely his but belonged to the NDC leadership, members and supporters who had contributed to the growth of the party.
He also dedicated the recognition to Nigerians at home and abroad who, according to him, had embraced the NDC’s vision of strengthening the country’s democratic space.

Dickson recalled that the emergence of the NDC followed difficult political decisions, saying he chose not to remain in what he regarded as an ineffective opposition structure and also declined to join the ruling party or the ADC.
He said establishing a new political platform 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.
The NDC National Leader said the party had continued to expand through the collective efforts of its leadership, members and supporters across the country.

The LEADERSHIP delegation, led by the newspaper’s Vice Chairman, Michael Okpere, presented Dickson with the formal notification of the award at his Abuja residence.
According to the newspaper, the award recognises Dickson’s public service record, political leadership, experience across the executive and legislative arms of government and his role in the emergence of the NDC.

The main award ceremony is scheduled for December 1 at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.