Yesterday, it was a pleasure to receive the joint team of the International Republican Institute (IRI) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI), two prominent U.S.-based organisations that support democracy around the world. We had fruitful discussions, during which I shared my perspectives on the need to support the growth and strengthening of Nigerian democracy. I also used the opportunity to explain the general political climate under which opposition parties are operating, as well as what my colleagues and I are doing within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), the newest political party and one of the fastest-growing opposition platforms in Nigeria. I thank the team and the U.S. Government for their continued interest in sustaining and supporting the growth of democracy in Nigeria. I appreciate the important work these organisations have been doing and thank them for their interest in Nigeria and for seeking my perspectives on the current political situation. There is a need to support the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and ensure that it is truly independent. There is also a need to ensure that the judiciary remains truly impartial. All institutions of state, including the security agencies, must play their roles as impartial arms of government and must not function merely as extensions of the political party in power. All political leaders, regardless of party affiliation, should demonstrate patriotism and remain committed to protecting Nigeria’s national institutions. While we all agree that multiparty democracy must be supported and encouraged, my colleagues and I in the NDC are committed to that principle, which is why we have taken this step. It is not easy, and we have had to make sacrifices to ensure that multiparty democracy is strengthened and sustained. I therefore call for robust support for INEC, capacity building for political parties, and comprehensive monitoring of the forthcoming general elections. There must also be strong collaboration to identify, prosecute and punish terrorists and other individuals who take up arms to terrorise, kill, maim or intimidate communities and citizens during elections. Terrorist masquerading as politicians must be treated as terrorists everywhere around the world. There must be consequences for such actions. Where Nigeria’s laws or institutions are inadequate to address these acts effectively, there should be international collaboration to name, shame and sanction those responsible. The NDC will work to ensure that this happens. As a former Governor of Bayelsa State who led the state in opposition, I know what desperate and criminally minded individuals masquerading as political leaders within the ruling establishment can do from time to time. Rather than mobilising genuine political support, some resort to buying arms, training individuals, recruiting armed thugs and colluding with security personnel to maim and kill. For some, this has become a recurring pattern during election seasons. Yet, some of these individuals continue to receive government patronage. Some have become ministers, while others are candidates for elections. In the NDC, we are determined to ensure that Nigerians are able to vote freely and that their votes count. INEC, the security agencies and all relevant institutions must ensure that citizens are enabled to exercise their democratic rights without fear, intimidation or violence. We therefore call for robust and independent monitoring, particularly in the Niger Delta and Bayelsa State, as well as in other parts of Nigeria where such threats may be prevalent. Nigeria’s democracy must be protected, and every Nigerian must have the confidence that their vote matters. NDC all the way✌️ ~HSD