By Nefishetu Yakubu
Sen. Seriake Dickson, National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has received the Pillar of Nigeria Democracy Award at the Diplomatic Digest’s sixth anniversary lecture.
The event was organised in collaboration with the Diplomatic Correspondents’ Chapel on Friday in Abuja and attended by diplomats, senior government officials and other guests from across the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that representatives of the Ghanaian and Burkina Faso High Commissions, as well as the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, attended the event.
Receiving the award, Dickson thanked the organisers, his family and supporters for the honour, saying that the recognition would inspire greater commitment to democratic governance.
He dedicated the award to leaders and members of the NDC, as well as Nigerians, for their resilience and unwavering support for democracy and constitutional rule.
Dickson commended Nigerians who had sustained democracy since the country’s transition from military rule in 1999, describing democratic governance as a marathon requiring patience and commitment.
He said democracy remained the surest path to development despite inevitable challenges, insisting that no nation could achieve sustainable progress through unconstitutional governance.
“There are twists and turns, as well as ups and downs. Democracy requires commitment to governance, the rule of law, independent institutions and credible electoral processes,” he said.
He stressed that a free media, an impartial judiciary and an independent electoral commission remained indispensable pillars of democracy.
“Without these essential elements, there is little difference between a civilian dictator and a military dictator,” he said.
According to him, civilian leaders operating under the constitution must never undermine democratic institutions while claiming commitment to democratic governance and constitutional principles.
Dickson expressed concern over the shrinking democratic space across Africa, particularly within the ECOWAS sub-region, describing the development as dangerous to regional peace and stability.
“The emergence of breakaway blocs, such as the Alliance of Sahel States, does not speak well of Nigerian leadership,” he added.
Dickson urged President Bola Tinubu to safeguard democratic institutions and prevent their deployment as instruments of partisan politics.
He reiterated his Senate call for African leaders to uphold constitutional rule, respect term limits and conduct credible elections to strengthen democracy across the continent.
He warned that governments placing themselves above constitutional institutions undermined public trust and constituted one of democracy’s greatest threats across Africa and the ECOWAS sub-region.
Dickson urged ministers, governors and political office holders to respect the law, uphold state institutions and demonstrate commitment to Nigeria’s democratic values.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Dickson called for the protection of INEC, the judiciary and security agencies from political interference and undue influence.
He said Nigerians must be confident that electoral outcomes genuinely reflected the people’s will, describing credible elections as essential to democratic consolidation.
Dickson thanked NDC leaders, members and officials for supporting the party’s democratic ideals.
He dedicated the award to Nigerians and NDC members committed to preserving multi-party democracy, while appreciating the organisers for recognising his democratic contributions and sacrifices. (NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa