The national leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, has called for strong action against individuals he described as “terrorists masquerading as politicians,” accusing some political actors of using violence and intimidation to influence elections.
Dickson made the call in a post on his verified X account on Tuesday after receiving a joint delegation from the International Republican Institute (IRI) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI), two US-based organisations involved in supporting democratic development around the world.
The former Bayelsa State governor said politicians who engage in terrorism and electoral violence must face consequences, including international sanctions.
According to him, there should be coordinated international efforts to identify, expose and sanction individuals involved in political violence.
Dickson said his experience in Nigerian politics had exposed him to what he described as the activities of desperate and criminally minded individuals who operate under the guise of political leadership.
He alleged that rather than seeking genuine political support from voters, some politicians resort to buying weapons, training armed groups, recruiting thugs and allegedly working with security personnel to intimidate or attack political opponents.
The former governor said such activities had become particularly common during election periods.
He also expressed concern that some individuals accused of involvement in political violence continue to receive government patronage, with some eventually appointed as ministers or contesting elections.
“Terrorists masquerading as politicians must be treated as terrorists. There should be no mercy for them,” Dickson said.
He stressed that the NDC would work towards ensuring that Nigerians could participate freely in elections without intimidation or violence.
Dickson also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other relevant institutions to protect voters and ensure that their votes are properly counted.
He said Nigeria’s democracy could only thrive when citizens were confident that they could vote without fear and that their votes would determine electoral outcomes.
“Nigeria’s democracy must be protected, and every Nigerian must have the confidence that their vote matters,” he said.
Dickson’s comments come as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with concerns over electoral violence, voter intimidation and the role of security agencies expected to remain major issues during the election season.
