RismadarVoice Reporters
August 19, 2026
National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has called for stronger and independent democratic institutions ahead of Nigeria’s forthcoming general elections.
Dickson made the call when he received a joint delegation from the International Republican Institute, IRI, and National Democratic Institute, NDI, at a meeting where he discussed the state of Nigeria’s democracy and the challenges confronting opposition parties.
The former Bayelsa State Governor stressed the need to strengthen the independence and capacity of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, while urging the judiciary and security agencies to operate impartially and independently of political influence.
He said all political leaders, irrespective of party affiliation, had a responsibility to protect Nigeria’s democratic institutions and ensure that elections were conducted in a free, fair and peaceful environment.
Dickson, who described the NDC as one of the country’s newest and fastest-growing opposition platforms, called for increased capacity building for political parties and comprehensive monitoring of the forthcoming elections.
He also urged INEC, security agencies and other relevant institutions to ensure that Nigerians could exercise their franchise without fear, intimidation or violence.
The former governor raised concerns over alleged attempts by some political actors to deploy arms, thugs and armed groups during election periods, warning that individuals who use violence to intimidate voters must be held accountable.
According to him, anyone who takes up arms to terrorise, kill, maim or intimidate citizens during elections should face the full consequences of the law.
“Terrorists masquerading as politicians must be treated as terrorists everywhere around the world. There must be consequences for such actions,” he said.
Dickson further called for international cooperation to identify and sanction individuals responsible for electoral violence where domestic institutions prove inadequate.
He particularly appealed for robust and independent election monitoring in Bayelsa State, the Niger Delta and other areas considered vulnerable to electoral violence.
The NDC national leader said the party remained committed to ensuring that Nigerians were able to vote freely and that their votes counted.
He expressed appreciation to the IRI and NDI delegation, as well as the United States Government, for their continued interest in strengthening democratic governance in Nigeria.
Dickson concluded that protecting Nigeria’s democracy required collective commitment to independent institutions and the assurance that every Nigerian’s vote matters.
