Dickson Sounds Alarm on Nigeria’s Democratic Space
The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, has called on President Bola Tinubu to safeguard the country’s democratic institutions, warning that any erosion of constitutional rule threatens Nigeria’s hard‑won freedoms.
Dickson stressed that democracy must be nurtured through respect for the constitution, an independent judiciary, a free press, and a credible electoral body. He argued that when these pillars are weakened, there is little distinction between a civilian dictator and a military ruler.
“Democracy is not a sprint; it is a marathon,” he said. “It demands a steadfast commitment to the rule of law, democratic principles, media freedom, judicial impartiality, and an electoral commission that enjoys public trust.”
While acknowledging that Nigeria has moved past military rule, Dickson cautioned that elected leaders must not undermine the very institutions they claim to protect. He noted that democratic values are facing mounting pressure across Africa, especially within the ECOWAS sub‑region, which diminishes Nigeria’s regional leadership.
He criticised the APC government’s foreign policy, asserting that it has contributed to ECOWAS’s decline and the rise of breakaway alliances such as the Alliance of Sahel States.
Dickson urged President Tinubu to prevent state institutions from being used for partisan gain, warning that governments perceived as oppressive or acting above the constitution inevitably lose public confidence.
“When a government sees itself as bigger than the nation, the constitution, the judiciary, and other democratic institutions, it forfeits legitimate and popular support,” he added, describing this trend as one of the greatest threats to democracy in ECOWAS and Africa at large.
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