Senator Seriake Dickson, national leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has demanded a ruthless crackdown on what he terms “terrorists masquerading as politicians” ahead of the 2027 general election.
The former Bayelsa State governor issued the warning in a post on his verified X account late Tuesday, following a meeting with a joint delegation from the International Republican Institute (IRI) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI).
Dickson accused certain political actors of arming thugs, recruiting violent groups, and colluding with security personnel to intimidate, injure, or eliminate opponents during elections — a pattern he described as a recurring blight on Nigeria’s electoral process.
“Terrorists masquerading as politicians must be treated as terrorists. There should be no mercy for them,” Dickson declared.
He called for international cooperation to identify, expose, and sanction individuals linked to electoral violence, lamenting that some culprits had gone on to enjoy political patronage, with a number eventually emerging as ministers or candidates for public office.
The NDC leader alleged that rather than building genuine popular support, desperate and criminally minded figures within the ruling establishment resorted to purchasing arms, training operatives, and deploying armed thugs during polls.
Dickson said his party would champion an electoral environment where Nigerians could vote without fear or intimidation, adding: “In the NDC, we are determined to ensure that Nigerians are able to vote freely and that their votes count.”
He also challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and other institutions to guarantee voter safety in 2027, stressing that “Nigeria’s democracy must be protected, and every Nigerian must have the confidence that their vote matters.”