Dickson raises alarm over money in Nigerian elections

National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Seriake Dickson, has shared his worries about the growing “monetisation” of Nigeria’s elections. He believes this trend is a serious threat to democracy.

Mr Dickson, who is a senator and a former governor of Bayelsa State, spoke on Saturday in Abuja. This was after a meeting with former leaders and members of the Alliance for Democracy.

He explained that the meeting aimed to reconnect former colleagues from the early years of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. It was not meant to make firm political decisions on current issues.

Mr Dickson said, “However, we all have personal experiences and I can answer that as a person and as leader of the NDC. We are very concerned about the militarisation of states, not just Osun.”

As a former opposition governor, Mr Dickson's experiences have shaped his views about how state institutions are used during elections. “I was an opposition governor. I was the only governor who led Bayelsa to victory in the elections. I know what the federal forces did to me in Bayelsa,” he stated.

He pointed out that there are real worries about how security agencies and state institutions will behave during upcoming elections. His concerns are not just for the Osun election but for other states that will have elections soon.

“There are real concerns about what state institutions will do or might be used for during the upcoming general elections,” he said.

Mr Dickson remembered that in the early years of the Fourth Republic, political ideas were more important than money. He said that back in 1998 and 1999, political leaders did not need to pay voters for their support.

“We didn’t have money. Voters were not asking for money. Political leaders and politicians were also not giving money,” he said.

He noted that today, elections look more like auctions where candidates compete with cash. Mr Dickson also mentioned that the former AD members at the meeting talked about the sacrifices made by those who helped build and strengthen democracy.

He said, “We reminded ourselves that sacrifices were made, difficult decisions were taken, and people worked tirelessly to enable us to enjoy this democracy that we see.”

The former governor said the meeting also allowed them to remember colleagues and leaders who have passed away. He made it clear that the meeting was not meant to announce any new political alliance or make decisions about the 2027 elections.

He did, however, share that he had told the former AD members about starting a political party called the NDC. “Like I said, over time, we will discuss, have other conversations, and then make appropriate decisions. But not for today,” he explained.

Mr Dickson said the meeting was mainly about reconnecting with old friends, rebuilding networks, and strengthening ties among former political allies. The gathering included former AD leaders and members like Udenta Udenta, the party’s founding national secretary, and other ex-officials.