ABUJA — Senator Seriake Dickson, a prominent leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has expressed deep concern over the deterioration of Nigeria’s political culture. Speaking at a significant reunion of former Alliance for Democracy (AD) members, he emphasized the urgent need to return to the values that once defined the nation’s democratic landscape.
The event, titled “Epochal Homecoming Reunion of the Old Guard Alliance for Democracy,” was held at Dickson’s residence and aimed to encourage discussions about the principles and sacrifices that played crucial roles in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Reflecting on the past, Dickson pointed out the stark contrast between the political climate of the past and the current environment, highlighting that earlier political involvement was driven by ideological commitment rather than financial incentives. He stated, “At that time, nobody had money to give to anybody. Money was not the most important currency of politics at that time. What was important then was ideals, values and commitment.”
Drawing on his experiences, the former governor of Bayelsa State noted that the AD successfully overcame powerful political forces despite having limited resources. He reminisced about grassroots mobilization efforts that helped the party secure significant electoral victories in the South-West states.
“We were winning elections — six states. The people who had money… could not stop us,” he recounted.
He highlighted the selflessness shown by party members who frequently financed their own campaigns, driven by a collective aspiration to contribute to the nation rather than seeking personal gain.
During the reunion, Dickson underlined the necessity of preserving the legacy of the original leaders and democratizing the political narrative of the country. He called for a focus on values such as true federalism and equitable resource allocation as guiding principles for today’s political actors.
The meeting concluded with a moment of silence for deceased AD leaders, and Dickson indicated plans for future gatherings to continue reconnecting the political community. “Today, we are taking the very first step of reconnecting ourselves,” he affirmed.
