Former Bayelsa State Governor and National Leader of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, has called for a fundamental renewal of Nigeria’s political culture, urging political leaders to return to the ideals of sacrifice, integrity, ideology and service that characterised the country’s early democratic struggles.
Dickson made the call in Abuja at a reunion of former leaders and associates of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), held under the theme, “Reclaiming Our Moral Mandate: A National Democratic Conversation for a Reborn Polity.”
The gathering brought together members of a political generation that played significant roles in Nigeria’s return to democratic rule, providing a platform to reflect on the values that shaped their activism and the challenges confronting the country’s democracy.
Dickson said politics in the formative years of the AD was driven largely by conviction and commitment rather than financial inducement.
«“Money was not the most important currency of politics at that time. What was important then was ideals, values and commitment.”»
He recalled that despite limited financial resources, the AD was able to defeat powerful political interests and win elections across the six South-West states through grassroots mobilisation and ideological commitment.
The former governor said his experience building the AD in Bayelsa State demonstrated what could be achieved when political participation was motivated by a genuine desire to serve the people.
According to him, members of the movement often personally funded political activities and assisted candidates who lacked the financial capacity to contest elections.
Dickson said the sacrifices made by the political generation must be properly documented, noting that many Nigerians occupying positions of authority today benefited from the struggles and sacrifices of those who fought for democratic rule.
He said the reunion was therefore not merely an occasion to recall the past but an opportunity to draw lessons that could help rebuild Nigeria’s political system.
Dickson identified true federalism, constitutional democracy, restructuring, equitable resource allocation and environmental justice as some of the principles that shaped the political outlook of the AD generation.
He maintained that political actors should not automatically support those in government, stressing that politicians must retain the courage to support policies they agree with and oppose those they consider inimical to the public interest.
«“If we support what you do, we say we are supporting you. If we disagree with what you do as politicians, we speak against you. We organise against you. That is the calling of a politician.”»
Dickson said the philosophy behind the establishment of the NDC was also influenced by the values of selfless service, ideological consistency and team building which characterised the AD movement.
He called for the preservation of the political legacy of the older generation, stressing that genuine political ideals should survive changes in parties, governments and circumstances.
Participants observed a minute’s silence in honour of deceased leaders and founding members of the AD who contributed to Nigeria’s democratic struggle.
Dickson also paid tribute to Professor Udenta Udenta, the party’s founding National Secretary, and other former national and state officials who contributed to the development of the political movement.
He disclosed that the Abuja reunion was the first step towards reconnecting members of the political generation, revealing that several former colleagues who could not attend had expressed interest in a larger gathering.
Dickson said the ultimate objective should be to revive a political culture where ideas take precedence over money, principles over convenience, and public service over personal gain.
