Dickson Accuses Political Elite of Destroying Nigeria’s Democracy

Senator Henry Seriake Dickson has accused Nigeria’s political elite of systematically destroying the country’s democracy and dismantling key institutions. Speaking during a civil society dialogue organized by the Nigeria Civil Society Alliance for Democratic Change in Abuja, the senator representing Bayelsa West said the deliberate actions of those in power were eroding the foundations of the nation’s democratic system. According to Dickson, the political class is engaged in what he described as “class suicide,” undermining the very institutions that confer legitimacy on democratic governance. He said the Independent National Electoral Commission, the judiciary, and security agencies have all become tools in the hands of politicians who manipulate them for selfish interests. “The political class is committing class suicide. They are tearing down the same institutions that give legitimacy to our democracy. We have turned INEC into a political tool, compromised the judiciary, and weaponized security agencies against the people,” he said. He decried the conduct of elections in Nigeria, stating that they have increasingly become violent and manipulated events, with the use of force and inducements overshadowing the will of the people. He also expressed concern over vote-buying and the use of federal power to suppress opposition. Dickson alleged that the judiciary was no longer a neutral arbiter, but had become a vehicle for validating fraudulent electoral outcomes. He said the use of security agencies like the Department of State Services, the police, and the military to intimidate voters and opposition candidates was unacceptable in a democracy. He also criticized the widening gap between elected officials and the people they represent, noting that many politicians have become disconnected from their constituencies. “Our democracy is losing its soul because those in power no longer feel accountable to the people,” he said. Calling for urgent action, Dickson urged civil society, the media, and democratic stakeholders to unite in defense of Nigeria’s democracy. He warned that continued silence in the face of growing authoritarianism would lead to the total collapse of the democratic system. “The time for silence is over. If we do not act now, there may be no democracy left to save,” Dickson said.