By Clement Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – Former Bayelsa State Governor and National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, has called for an emergency all-party summit to address the growing wave of political violence and attacks against opposition parties, candidates and supporters ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Dickson, who raised the alarm on Sunday, November 15, 2026, 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 to prevent the situation from degenerating into a national crisis.
He warned that the increasing incidents of political violence, if left unchecked, could threaten Nigeria’s democracy and undermine the credibility and peaceful conduct of the 2027 general elections.
Expressing concern over what he described as disturbing attacks targeting the NDC, its candidates and supporters, Dickson maintained that violence had no place in a democratic process, irrespective of political differences or prevailing circumstances.
He said the proposed summit would provide an opportunity for political parties and other stakeholders to reaffirm their collective commitment to peaceful, credible, fair and transparent elections.
“The rising rate of violence, if not urgently checked, could lead to a dangerous situation that may complicate, or entirely undermine, the conduct of the 2027 elections even before it starts,” he warned.
Dickson cautioned political actors against allowing disagreements and partisan rivalries to degenerate into violence capable of destabilising the country’s democratic institutions.
On internal party affairs, the NDC leader disclosed that he had held consultations with various party leaders over concerns recently expressed by some party officials, directing that their grievances be addressed and the interests of all stakeholders adequately considered.
He also said preparations were underway for the deployment of committed party members across the country to various committees and directorates of the party’s National Campaign Council.
According to him, he had engaged the party leadership and relevant officials to expedite the release of appointment lists to enable members to assume their respective responsibilities.
Dickson further disclosed that he had directed the party leadership to provide financial and other forms of support to state chapters to strengthen their operations, while efforts continued to mobilise additional funds for the campaign.
On preparations for the 2027 elections, the former governor urged all NDC candidates, particularly those contesting National Assembly, state Houses of Assembly and governorship elections, to prioritise the recruitment, verification, identification and training of polling agents.
He described the 2027 elections as an agent-based contest, stressing that the party’s ability to protect its votes would depend largely on having properly identified, trained and adequately deployed agents in every polling unit across the country.
Dickson also directed the party’s presidential campaign team to work closely with candidates and other stakeholders in verifying the proposed agents and incorporating their contributions, particularly in areas where they have electoral interests.
He advocated strategic collaboration with other political parties, excluding the NDC’s major opponents where necessary, to strengthen agent coverage and ensure effective representation at polling units nationwide.
The NDC leader, however, insisted that candidates must have a significant say in the selection of polling agents, arguing that they were directly contesting the elections and would be on the ground to defend the party’s electoral interests.
He said such decisions should nevertheless be taken in consultation with the party’s leadership and other relevant stakeholders.
Dickson urged the party leadership to conclude the process without further delay and decentralise the lists for uploading, verification and subsequent training, which he said should commence later in November and continue throughout December.
He concluded by appreciating Nigerians for what he described as their overwhelming solidarity and support for the party and its candidates.
“NDC all the way!” he declared.
