The former Bayelsa State governor expressed appreciation to the board and management of LEADERSHIP, describing the manner in which the selection was conducted as particularly significant
By Moses Okorie
The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s multiparty democracy and ensuring a peaceful political process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Dickson spoke on Thursday when the management of LEADERSHIP NEWSPAPER, led by its Vice Chairman, Mr Michael Okpere, paid a formal visit to his residence in Abuja to present him with the official notification of his selection as the LEADERSHIP Politician of the Year 2026.
The visit followed the newspaper’s earlier announcement of Dickson as the recipient of the prestigious honour, which it said was in recognition of his distinguished record of public service, political leadership and role in the emergence of the NDC as a new opposition platform in Nigeria.
Receiving the delegation, the former Bayelsa State governor expressed appreciation to the board and management of LEADERSHIP, describing the manner in which the selection was conducted as particularly significant.
Dickson said neither he nor members of his political team had prior knowledge of the nomination, adding that he was surprised when the announcement was made public.
He commended LEADERSHIP for what he described as the integrity and independence demonstrated in the award process.
The NDC National Leader said the honour was not a personal achievement but one that belonged to the leadership, members and supporters of the party, as well as Nigerians who had embraced its vision.
He dedicated the award 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.
Dickson also dedicated the honour to Nigerians at home and abroad who, he said, had believed in the NDC’s vision and its commitment to strengthening the country’s democratic space.
The former governor explained that 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 said he had decided not to remain in what he considered an ineffective opposition structure, while also declining to join the ruling party or the African Democratic Congress (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 particularly 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 called on political actors and relevant institutions to ensure that Nigerians are able to campaign and express their political choices freely without intimidation or violence.
> “We are not enemies. We are fellow Nigerians who disagree.”
Dickson stressed that political differences should not become a basis for violence or the 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.
The NDC leader said the party would engage relevant security agencies ahead of its nationwide campaign activities to ensure adequate security for its candidates, officials and supporters.
He reaffirmed the party’s determination to participate fully in the 2027 electoral process and campaign across all parts of the country.
The LEADERSHIP Politician of the Year 2026 honour is part of the newspaper’s annual awards programme.
In its earlier citation, LEADERSHIP highlighted Dickson’s record in public service, 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.