Dickson Sends Message To INEC, Security Agencies Ahead Of 2027

The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to ensure credible elections in 2027.

Dickson called on security agencies to remain loyal to the Constitution and the people and insisted that their allegiance must not be compromised by political interests ahead of the general elections.

He made the call on Monday in a statement posted on his social media handles after the inauguration of the NDC National Campaign Council and the presentation of certificates to the party’s candidates.

“I also call on INEC and all relevant government agencies to sanitise the electoral process and work towards delivering free, fair and credible elections in 2027,” he said.

“The outcome must be credible and acceptable, including to those who lose.”

The former Bayelsa State governor also warned security agencies against allowing themselves to be used to frustrate the wishes of voters.

“I call on the security agencies to remember that their loyalty and allegiance are to the Constitution, the laws and the people of Nigeria. They must not allow themselves to be used to undermine the will and sovereignty of the Nigerian people,” he added.

Dickson urged members of the NDC to conduct peaceful campaigns and avoid treating political opponents as enemies, saying the party would present its positions to Nigerians for their consideration.

He said, “Our politics is issue-based and non-violent. We call on state governors and all political leaders to embrace this approach, respect the dignity of every Nigerian and uphold everyone’s right to disagree.”

Addressing members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dickson said political disagreements should not be allowed to create hostility among Nigerians.

“To our brothers in the APC, I say again that you are not our enemies. You remain our brothers, friends and fellow citizens with whom we have political differences,” he said.

The NDC leader said the party intended to make the 2027 election a referendum on the performance of the APC-led government, questioning whether Nigerians were safer and better off than they were before the party assumed power.

“For us, the question is simple: Are the lives of Nigerians better today than they were in 2015, when the APC took over, or even three and a half years ago, in 2023? Are Nigerians safer?” he asked.

He added that the party would take these questions to the electorate as it prepared to challenge the APC in the next general elections.

“Every election, and every attempt at re-election, is a referendum on the ruling party and its government,” Dickson said.

He also stressed the need to build an enduring political institution that would remain accountable to its members and the Nigerian people.

According to him, the party had publicly declared its revenue and planned to present a formally audited account to its National Executive Committee (NEC), the public and relevant government institutions by the end of 2026.

“By the end of this year, a formally audited account will be presented to the NEC, the public and the relevant institutions of state,” he said.

Dickson attributed the party’s growth to the financial contributions and sacrifices of its members, aspirants and candidates, adding that he did not receive personal earnings from the party.

“I do not earn a dime from the NDC. My role has been to provide guidance, help build standards and promote transparency,” he stated.

He further urged the party’s candidates to work collectively under its platform rather than pursue their ambitions independently.

“My message to all our aspirants and candidates is that they must work with the party. They are not contesting as independent candidates,” he said.

“The party is like a horse. Let us strengthen, nourish and train it so that whoever rides it can ride it to victory.”

Dickson expressed confidence in the party’s candidates, including its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, saying the NDC would campaign across the country ahead of the elections.

He congratulated members inaugurated into the National Campaign Council and urged them to take the party’s message to their respective constituencies.

“We shall campaign in every state, every senatorial district and every local government area, engaging Nigerians and presenting our vision for a better country,” he said.

Dickson said the party hoped to form the next government on May 29, 2027, with Obi as president and Kwankwaso as vice-president.