Nigeria’s political culture is dying, time to reclaim lost ideals — Dickson

Senator Seriake Dickson, National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has expressed deep concern over the erosion of Nigeria's political culture. Speaking at a reunion of former Alliance for Democracy (AD) leaders and associates in Abuja, Dickson called for a reclamation of the values and sacrifices that characterized the nation's early democratic politics.

Dickson, a former governor of Bayelsa State, contrasted the current political landscape with the era when the AD was formed. He emphasized that political participation then was fueled by ideology, commitment, and personal sacrifice, rather than the financial inducements prevalent today. "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," 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.

Recalling the AD's past achievements, Dickson, who was the founding state chairman of the party in Bayelsa, noted its success in winning governorship elections across six South-West states despite limited resources. He attributed this to grassroots mobilization and a strong commitment to the party's ideals. He recounted his own experiences as a young activist, using his personal checkbook to fund party deposits and support candidates who lacked the financial means for electoral expenses.

Dickson stressed that these sacrifices were driven by a desire to build the nation, not by expectations of personal financial rewards. "The candidates didn’t have money. They didn’t even know about it. But our joy was in building a country and winning for our people," he said. He lamented that the significant sacrifices made by many during Nigeria's return to democracy are often overlooked in historical accounts.

“

The candidates didn’t have money. They didn’t even know about it. But our joy was in building a country and winning for our people.