Founder and National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, has received the Pillar of Nigeria Democracy Award while renewing calls for stronger democratic institutions and constitutional governance across Africa..
The award was presented during the Diplomatic Digest sixth anniversary lecture in Abuja, attended by diplomats, senior government officials, foreign missions and stakeholders committed to promoting democratic values and good governance.
Dickson described the honour as motivation to deepen his commitment to democracy, dedicating the recognition to Nigerians and members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress for defending constitutional rule since 1999.
He said democracy remains the surest path to sustainable development, stressing that respect for the rule of law, credible elections and independent institutions is essential for national progress and political stability.
According to him, a free media, an independent judiciary and a credible electoral commission remain the pillars of democracy, warning that weakening these institutions threatens constitutional governance and public confidence.
Dickson expressed concern over shrinking democratic space across Africa, particularly within the ECOWAS region, describing the emergence of breakaway alliances as a threat to regional peace, unity and collective progress.
He urged President Bola Tinubu and other political leaders to protect democratic institutions from partisan influence, insisting that constitutional bodies must remain impartial and serve the interests of every Nigerian.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Dickson called for stronger protection of INEC, the judiciary and security agencies to ensure electoral outcomes genuinely reflect the will of the people.
He also urged African leaders to respect constitutional term limits, strengthen democratic institutions and conduct credible elections, saying these principles remain vital for lasting peace, stability and development across the continent.
