- Dickson Receives Pillar of Nigeria Democracy Award, Calls for Defence of Constitutional Rule and Stronger ECOWAS
Abuja — Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), was yesterday conferred with the Pillar of Nigeria Democracy Award at the Diplomatic Digest 6th Anniversary Lecture, organised in collaboration with the Diplomatic Correspondence Chapel.
The event, held in the presence of diplomats and other distinguished guests, was attended by representatives of the Ghanaian High Commission, the Burkina Faso High Commission, and Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In his remarks, Dickson thanked the organisers on behalf of his family and himself for the honour and for finding him worthy of the recognition.
He dedicated the award to the leaders and members of the NDC and to all Nigerians for their resilience and continued support for democracy and constitutional rule.
Dickson commended Nigerians and all those who have contributed to sustaining the democratic process since the country’s transition from military rule in 1998, a process in which he has been involved from the beginning. He described democracy as “not a sprint; it is a marathon,” stressing that it remains the path to development but offers no shortcuts.
“There are twists and turns, as well as ups and downs. What is important is a commitment to democratic governance, observance of the rule of law, democratic principles, a free and independent media, an impartial judiciary, and an electoral body that is truly independent and enjoys the confidence and trust of the people,” he said. “Without these essential elements, there is little difference between a civilian dictator and a military dictator.”
While affirming that Nigeria has moved beyond the era of military dictatorship, Dickson cautioned that civilians in authority who operate under the Constitution must not undermine the Constitution, state institutions, or democracy itself while claiming to be democrats. He described this as a troubling development across Africa and particularly within the ECOWAS sub-region, where democratic space is shrinking and democratic values are under increasing threat.
He noted that the trend reflects poorly on Nigeria, historically the driving force behind ECOWAS. “Considerable effort and sacrifice have gone into building and sustaining the regional body. It is therefore unfortunate that, under the APC government and its dysfunctional foreign policy, ECOWAS has weakened before our very eyes.
The emergence of breakaway blocs, such as the Alliance of Sahel States, does not speak well of Nigerian leadership,” he stated, adding that Nigeria’s leadership remains central to the stability and success of both ECOWAS and the African Union.
Dickson urged the President of Nigeria to do everything possible to ensure that the democratic space is not narrowed and that state institutions are not deployed as instruments of the ruling party and government. He reiterated calls made on the floor of the Senate for the President to work with other African leaders to prevent governments across the continent from undermining their constitutions, stressing the need for respect for the constitution, term limits, and free and fair elections as the foundations of democratic and constitutional rule.
“When a government is perceived as oppressive, dictatorial, and above the Constitution and the institutions of the state, it inevitably loses the confidence and support of its citizens,” he said. “When a government or political party begins to see itself as bigger than the nation, the Constitution, the judiciary, and other democratic institutions, it loses legitimate and popular support. This remains one of the greatest threats to democracy in the ECOWAS sub-region and in Africa in general.”
He called on ministers, state governors, and elected and appointed officials at all levels to play by the rules, respect the law, and uphold the institutions of state in order to demonstrate that Nigeria’s democracy is working.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Dickson insisted on a firm commitment, led by the President and the ruling party and supported by all parties and stakeholders to respect the independence and impartiality of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the judiciary, and the security agencies. He said Nigerians must be assured that electoral outcomes truly reflect the wishes of the majority, describing this as the only way to deepen and strengthen the country’s democracy.
Dickson concluded by thanking all members and senior officials of the NDC for their support and commitment to the democratic cause. He specifically acknowledged NDC officials who attended the event with him, particularly the state chairmen from the North Central Zone and other senior party officials.
He dedicated the award to the people of Nigeria, especially the officials, members, and candidates of the NDC who believe in the party’s mission of saving Nigeria’s dwindling multi-party democracy, and expressed appreciation to the organisers for recognising his efforts in the Senate as a key opposition voice and the sacrifices made in building the NDC.