Former Bayelsa State Governor Henry Seriake Dickson has vowed to oppose any attempt to intimidate voters or undermine democratic participation in the state ahead of the next election.
Dickson made the declaration in a post on his X platform while reacting to a series of endorsement meetings reportedly organised by youth leaders and other stakeholders across Ekeremor Local Government Area in support of his political ambition and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
According to the former governor, more than 300 serving and former youth presidents from communities across Ekeremor had endorsed his leadership and pledged their support for the NDC and its candidates.
Dickson said the endorsements were part of broader consultations taking place across the senatorial district, involving community elders, women and youth leaders, students and other stakeholders.
He expressed appreciation to the groups for their mobilisation and consultations, saying the activities demonstrated their confidence in his leadership, the NDC and its candidates.
The former governor noted that the support came despite his absence from Bayelsa for about eight months due to national political engagements. During the period, he said he had been involved in efforts to strengthen the NDC from the grassroots.
Dickson said he expected to return to Bayelsa soon to personally appreciate his supporters and intensify consultations ahead of the commencement of campaigns.
He, however, urged NDC members, candidates and supporters to remain committed to the party despite what he described as attempts to intimidate political opponents and restrict democratic participation.
Recalling his political experience in Bayelsa since 2015, Dickson said he had worked to prevent the state from being dominated by what he described as “desperate and criminally minded politicians” allegedly seeking to use federal institutions to intimidate voters.
He issued a direct warning against any attempt to threaten voters during the forthcoming election.
“Let me be clear: no one will be allowed to intimidate voters in their communities in Bayelsa State in the next election,” Dickson said.
He further alleged that some political actors could attempt to deploy security agencies and thugs to intimidate voters or influence election outcomes.
Dickson urged his supporters to reject violence and participate peacefully in the electoral process while taking lawful steps to protect their votes.
He also called on young people, women, community leaders and other citizens to resist intimidation and use their ballots to reject leaders they consider oppressive.
The former governor also warned against what he described as efforts to establish a one-party state in Nigeria, arguing that the country and its constituent states must retain political competition.
Dickson thanked his supporters for their “belief, trust, confidence, solidarity and prayers,” urging them to maintain their mobilisation ahead of the next election.
His comments come as political activities and consultations intensify ahead of the forthcoming electoral contests in Bayelsa State.
