Senator Seriake Dickson, National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has urged the National Peace Committee, the Independent National Electoral Commission, and security agencies to convene an all-party summit to address rising political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections. Dickson warned that increasing attacks on NDC members, candidates, and supporters could undermine the credibility and peaceful conduct of the elections if urgent steps are not taken.
Dickson made the call in a statement released on Sunday, stressing that political violence had no place in a democratic society and that disagreements among political parties must not degenerate into attacks and intimidation. He said the proposed summit would provide an opportunity for political parties to renew their commitment to peaceful, fair, and transparent elections.
The former Bayelsa State governor disclosed that he had held discussions with party leaders over concerns recently raised by some NDC officials, directing that their grievances be addressed and their interests taken into consideration. Preparations are also underway to assign party members to committees and directorates of the National Campaign Council.
The National Peace Committee, chaired by former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar, had recently raised concerns over rising political tensions and warned President Bola Tinubu, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, and other political actors against inflammatory statements and incitement ahead of the 2027 polls. The committee reported 60 election-related incidents recorded across the country within one month.
Dickson also urged the party's National Assembly, state assembly, and governorship candidates to prioritize the recruitment, verification, identification, and training of polling agents. He said the party was working towards ensuring adequate representation at polling units nationwide and that candidates should collaborate with the presidential campaign team and other political parties to strengthen their agent networks.
According to Dickson, the 2027 election is an agent-based election, and candidates must be actively involved in the process because they would be on the ballot and would have the responsibility of defending the party's votes. The process of compiling and decentralizing the agents' lists for uploading should be concluded quickly to allow training to commence later in November and continue throughout December.
The call for an all-party summit comes as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections, with concerns over rising political tensions and violence. Dickson's initiative aims to promote peaceful political engagement and prevent further escalation of violence, ensuring a credible and peaceful electoral process.
Key points
- The Nigeria Democratic Congress leader calls for an all-party summit to address growing political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
- The National Peace Committee reports 60 election-related incidents recorded across the country within one month.
- Dickson urges party candidates to prioritize the recruitment and training of polling agents to ensure adequate representation at polling units nationwide.
