Dickson Urges Abdulsalami Panel, INEC to Convene Summit on Political Violence

Senator Seriake Dickson, National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and former Bayelsa State Governor, has called for an emergency all-party summit to address rising political violence and targeted attacks against NDC members, candidates and supporters ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement personally signed on Sunday, Dickson urged the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) , the Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar-led National Peace Committee, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to urgently convene the summit.

“VIOLENCE HAS NO PLACE”

Dickson warned that the increasing attacks could undermine the credibility and peaceful conduct of the elections if urgent steps were not taken. “I am deeply concerned about the increasing incidents of violence and attacks targeted against the Nigeria Democratic Congress and its candidates and supporters. Several party leaders and I have had cause to speak against this in the past,” he said.

“Whatever the circumstances, violence has no place in our democratic process. In view of this disturbing development, I call on the Inter-Party Advisory Council and the Gen Abdulsalami-led Peace Committee in conjunction with INEC and the security agencies to urgently convene an all-party summit to address this growing monster before it consumes our democracy,” Dickson said.

He said the proposed summit would provide an opportunity for political parties to renew their commitment to peaceful, fair and transparent elections.

He warned that the growing incidents of violence could create a dangerous atmosphere capable of “complicating or undermining the 2027 elections even before the commencement of the electoral process” .

BACKGROUND: PEACE COMMITTEE’S WARNINGS

Dickson’s call comes about a month after the National Peace Committee raised concerns over rising political tensions and warned President Bola Tinubu, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi and other political actors against inflammatory statements and incitement ahead of the 2027 polls.

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The committee, chaired by Abubakar and convened by the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Kukah, had raised the alarm over 60 election-related incidents recorded across the country within one month.

The incidents reportedly included political violence, intimidation, threats, attacks on political activities and the spread of misinformation.In a statement jointly signed by Abubakar and Kukah, the committee urged political leaders to exercise restraint and promote peaceful political engagement ahead of the elections.

INTERNAL PARTY PREPARATIONS

Beyond the security concerns, Dickson disclosed that he had held discussions with party leaders over concerns raised by some NDC officials, directing that their grievances be addressed and their interests taken into consideration.

He said preparations were underway to assign party members to committees and directorates of the National Campaign Council.

According to him, the party leadership has been directed to “expedite the release of the lists and provide financial support to state chapters” to strengthen their operations ahead of the elections.

POLLING AGENTS AND CANDIDATE RESPONSIBILITIES

Dickson urged the party’s National Assembly, state assembly and governorship candidates to prioritise the recruitment, verification, identification and training of polling agents.

He said the party was working towards ensuring adequate representation at polling units nationwide, adding that candidates should collaborate with the presidential campaign team and other political parties, where necessary, to strengthen their agent networks.

“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,” Dickson said.

He added that the process of compiling and decentralising the agents’ lists for uploading should be concluded quickly to allow training to commence later in November and continue throughout December. ValidViewNetwork reports.