During an interview from 21:04 on Arise Television on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, Senator Seriake Dickson, National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has urged governors and other political office holders to distinguish between their personal partisan interests and the broader responsibilities attached to public office.
The former Bayelsa State governor said political tolerance and respect for opponents had previously been demonstrated by governors across party lines. “Unfortunately, that’s the point that has to be made in interviews like this, and in all the political conversations. This is not the way we’ve been doing this,” Dickson said.
He recalled his experience during the 2015 election period, when he participated in a campaign in Edo State against then-Governor Adams Oshiomhole. “We went to a campaign in Edo against Governor Oshiomhole. Oshiomhole was there at the airport, receiving President Jonathan and the delegation of which I was part,” he said.
Dickson also recalled travelling to Anambra State to campaign for Peter Obi, who was governor of the state at the time. “We went to Anambra to campaign for my friend, Peter Obi then, as governor, was at the airport to receive us,” he said.
He said he similarly received then-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and APC governors when they came to Bayelsa to campaign against him during his second-term bid. “And as I’ve told you, I was at the airport receiving Vice President Osinbajo and the APC governors, who were coming to campaign against me in my second term. The toughest election, governorial election, my state has seen,” Dickson stated.
The former governor said he went further by allowing a political rival, Silva, whom he said had not been on speaking terms with him before that day, into the Government House. “And we had to do that. I even had to say, allow Silva, who before that day, were not even in talking terms. I said, allow him into Government House that day,” he recalled.
Dickson said such actions were necessary because elected officials must understand that holding public office comes with responsibilities that transcend party politics and personal rivalries. “Because, you see, you must make a distinction between your own personal partisan interests and what your general duties should be and obligations, as governor and also as president,” he said.
He questioned why the country appeared to be experiencing a deterioration in political conduct and tolerance despite the examples set by political leaders in the past. “Why is it that things always seem to get worse in this country?” Dickson asked.