The national leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Seriake Dickson, has called for decisive action against terrorists who, according to him, disguise themselves as politicians.
Dickson made the call in a post on his verified X handle on Tuesday night after receiving a joint delegation from the International Republican Institute (IRI) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI), two prominent US-based organisations that promote democracy globally.
The former Bayelsa State governor said individuals he described as terrorist-politicians must face consequences, urging international cooperation to identify, expose and sanction them.
Dickson said his experience in public office had exposed him to the activities of desperate and criminally minded individuals who, despite presenting themselves as political leaders within the ruling establishment, allegedly engage in acts that undermine democracy.
He said some of such individuals, rather than seeking legitimate political support, allegedly acquire weapons, train people, recruit armed thugs and work with security personnel to inflict injuries or kill opponents.
The Bayelsa senator said the practice had become a recurring feature of election periods for some politicians, expressing concern over the continued government patronage enjoyed by individuals accused of such conduct.
He noted that some of those allegedly involved had gone on to occupy ministerial positions, while others had contested elections as political candidates.
“Terrorists masquerading as politicians must be treated as terrorists. There should be no mercy for them. In the NDC, we are determined to ensure that Nigerians are able to vote freely and that their votes count.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the security agencies and all relevant institutions must ensure that citizens are enabled to exercise their democratic rights without fear, intimidation or violence.
“Nigeria’s democracy must be protected, and every Nigerian must have the confidence that their vote matters,” he tweeted.
