National leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Seriake Dickson, has called for a crackdown on what he described as “terrorists masquerading as politicians” ahead of the 2027 general election.
Dickson, a former Bayelsa State governor and serving senator, said such politicians should be exposed, sanctioned and treated in the same manner as terrorists.
He made the call in a post on his verified X account late Tuesday after meeting a joint delegation of the International Republican Institute, IRI, and the National Democratic Institute, NDI.
Dickson accused some politicians of arming thugs, recruiting violent groups and allegedly colluding with security personnel to intimidate, injure or kill opponents during elections.
He said the practice had become a recurring feature of election seasons and demanded consequences for anyone found culpable.
“Terrorists masquerading as politicians must be treated as terrorists. There should be no mercy for them,” Dickson declared.
He also called for international cooperation to identify, expose and sanction politicians linked to electoral violence.
According to him, some individuals accused of employing violence during elections had continued to enjoy political patronage, with some eventually emerging as ministers or candidates for public office.
Dickson said he was familiar with the tactics of what he described as desperate and criminally minded political actors within the ruling establishment.
He alleged that rather than building genuine political support, such individuals resorted to purchasing arms, training operatives and deploying armed thugs during elections.
The NDC leader said his party would push for an electoral environment in which Nigerians could vote without fear or intimidation.
“In the NDC, we are determined to ensure that Nigerians are able to vote freely and that their votes count,” he said.
Dickson also challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, security agencies and other institutions to guarantee the safety of voters in 2027.
“Nigeria’s democracy must be protected, and every Nigerian must have the confidence that their vote matters,” he added.
