Dickson Warns Against One-Party Drift, Demands Mandatory Electronic Transmission to Safeguard Nigeria’s Democracy.

 

By Gabriel Ukuta 

 Former Bayelsa State Governor and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has raised fresh concerns over the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system, declaring that electronic transmission of results has become “central to electoral integrity” and warning against what he described as creeping tendencies toward a one-party state.

Addressing journalists at a press conference on Wednesday, Senator Dickson called on members of the Conference Committee of the National Assembly to “restore integrity and public confidence” in the electoral process by adopting the House of Representatives’ version of the Electoral Amendment Bill.

According to him, the House version is “clearer, less controversial, and reflects what was generally agreed upon,” particularly on the contentious issue of electronic transmission of results.

Dickson emphasized that the debate over electronic transmission should not be politicized or made emotional, noting that making it mandatory is essential to strengthening public trust.

“The issue of electronic transmission has become central to electoral integrity,” he said, adding that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), through its manuals and guidelines, already places a duty on presiding officers to transmit results electronically using the designated electronic viewing system.

He urged presiding officers to strictly obey the laws governing transmission, stressing that “the general rules should prevail” in order to ensure transparency and credibility in elections.

“The fight for cleaner and freer elections is ongoing and must continue,” Dickson declared.

In a broader political context, the senator warned of the dangers of a one-party system in Nigeria, describing it as a threat to pluralism and democratic accountability.

He argued that forcing all political parties to adopt direct primaries would be inappropriate, noting that such a system (direct primaries) is “peculiar to the All Progressives Congress” and should not be imposed on other parties with different internal democratic traditions.

“It is wrong for all political parties to be forced into adopting direct primaries,” he stated, emphasizing the need to respect party autonomy within the framework of the law.

Senator Dickson commended Nigerians for their sustained interest and concern over electoral reforms, urging them not to lose faith in the system despite ongoing controversies.

He called for greater vigilance, commitment, and perseverance, reminding citizens that democratic gains require constant protection.

“The price of democracy and freedom is eternal vigilance,” he said, urging Nigerians to “gear up and do their best to push for appropriate changes.”

He also underscored the importance of civic education, advocating for greater public enlightenment on electoral processes and reforms to ensure citizens understand the stakes and participate meaningfully.

Directing his remarks to members of the Conference Committee, Dickson urged them to prioritize national interest over partisan considerations.

He called on them to “go to Parliament, restore the integrity and faith in the electoral system and the National Assembly” by voting in favour of the House version of the bill, which he insisted aligns with public expectations and prior consensus.

As debates on electoral reforms intensify, Dickson’s intervention signals renewed pressure on lawmakers to adopt measures that strengthen transparency, credibility, and inclusiveness in Nigeria’s democratic process.