2027: Attacks on opposition must stop, Dickson warns

The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has called for an immediate end to attacks and violence against opposition political parties across the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Dickson made the call while receiving former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, into the NDC, saying political violence must not be allowed to undermine the democratic process.

He condemned reported attacks on opposition parties in several states, including Benue and Enugu, and urged security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible.

“Let me, on that note, call for the cessation of violence and attacks meted out to opposition parties in so many states. We have condemned this several times. I want to use this opportunity to condemn it,” Dickson said.

The NDC leader said President Bola Tinubu’s reported call for an end to political violence should be followed by concrete action and consequences for those who perpetrate or encourage violence.

“I think we should follow it up with action. There have to be consequences for that misbehaviour and encouragement of violence and criminality and brigandage,” he said.

His comments come amid recent incidents involving opposition political activities in different parts of the country.

In Enugu State, police authorities ordered investigations after reported attacks disrupted separate meetings of the NDC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nkanu West Local Government Area on 12 September.

Police said gunmen disrupted an NDC ward meeting at Ndiuno-Obuoffia, with two people reportedly injured, while a separate PDP gathering in Agbani was also disrupted and property destroyed.

The NDC subsequently petitioned security agencies, including the police and the Department of State Services, seeking an investigation into the alleged attack.

The party accused unnamed political actors of attempting to undermine opposition activities, while the APC in Enugu denied allegations that it or the state government sponsored the violence.

There was also a reported confrontation involving the convoy of NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi in Benue earlier this month. Police subsequently announced the arrest of 46 suspects in connection with the incident and said investigations were continuing.

Against this backdrop, Dickson said the reported creation of a special squad by the Inspector-General of Police was a step that required additional support.

“I have seen a report by the Inspector-General of Police setting up a squad. There has to be more support for that so that those who are trying to introduce needless violence and brigandage, whether in Benue, whether in Enugu, whether in other parts of the country, in Lagos, everywhere, they need to be stopped, they need to be identified, they need to be punished,” he said.

Dickson also suggested that attacks on the NDC and other opposition actors were linked to the party’s growing political presence, although he did not identify specific individuals or organisations as responsible for the alleged attacks.

“And the reason they are attacking people is because they know the strength of the NDC,” he said.

He stressed that Nigerians, rather than political actors, would ultimately determine the outcome of the 2027 elections.

“Even when campaigns have not formally begun, they know because this election will be voted for by Nigerians; all Nigerians know what we are feeling,” he said.

Dickson therefore appealed to political parties and their supporters to adhere to democratic rules and allow citizens to participate freely in the electoral process.

“I condemn it again and call on all to play by the books,” he said.