National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, has expressed concern over the “monetisation” of Nigeria’s electoral process, stating that the development poses serious threats to democracy.
Mr Dickson, a senator and former governor of Bayelsa State, made this statement on Saturday in Abuja, following a meeting with former leaders and members of the Alliance for Democracy (AD).
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He said the meeting was mainly organised to reconnect former colleagues who worked together in the early years of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic and was not meant to establish definitive political positions on current issues.
The NDC national leader said: “However, we all have personal experiences and I can answer that as a person and as leader of the NDC, we are very concerned about the militarisation of states, not just Osun.”
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Mr Dickson, who served as Bayelsa’s governor under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said his personal experience as an opposition governor has shaped his concerns about the use of state institutions during elections.
“I was an opposition governor. I was the only governor who led Bayelsa to victory in the elections. I know what the federal forces did to me in Bayelsa,” he said.
He said there were legitimate concerns regarding the conduct of security agencies and other state institutions during off-cycle and general elections.
According to him, the concerns go beyond the current Osun election to include other states with upcoming elections.
There are real concerns about what state institutions will do or might be used for during the upcoming general elections,” he said.
Mr Dickson recalled that political ideas rather than financial incentives largely influenced elections in the early years of the Fourth Republic.
He said that when AD and other parties were active around 1998 and 1999, political leaders and candidates did not need to pay voters to gain their support.
“We didn’t have money. Voters were not asking for money. Political leaders and politicians were also not giving money,” he said.
Mr Dickson said the situation had changed significantly, with elections increasingly resembling an auction in which candidates compete through financial incentives.
He said the former AD members at the meeting reflected on the sacrifices made by political actors who contributed to the restoration and consolidation of democracy.
According to him, many of those who laid the foundation for Nigeria’s democracy made difficult decisions and sacrifices that were often forgotten.
We reminded ourselves that sacrifices were made, difficult decisions were taken, and people worked tirelessly to enable us to enjoy this democracy that we see,” he said.
What the meeting was all about
Mr Dickson said the meeting also offered a chance to honour the memory of colleagues and leaders who had passed away.
The former governor stated that the meeting was not intended to announce any new political alliance or to make decisions regarding the 2027 elections.
He, however, disclosed that he had formally informed the former AD members that he and others had started a political party, the NDC.
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Like I said, over time, we will discuss, have other conversations, and then make appropriate decisions. But not for today,” he said.
Mr Dickson said the meeting was mainly a chance to rekindle old friendships, rebuild networks, and strengthen relationships among former political allies.
The meeting gathered former AD leaders and members, including the party’s founding national secretary, Udenta Udenta, a professor, and other ex-officials.
(NAN)
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