2027: Dickson Revives Loyalty in Politics, Insist Chief Tony Anenih is Alive Politically, Otherwise - TDM

_...loyalty is a scarce commodity in our polity today..._ 

As Nigeria gradually approaches the 2027 general elections, the nation’s political landscape is witnessing renewed conversations around the values that should define political leadership, including loyalty, trust, sincerity of purpose, mentorship and commitment to national development.

One of the political figures whose legacy continues to resonate in this regard is the late Chief Tony Anenih, a prominent Edo-born politician who played significant roles in Nigeria’s political development and was instrumental in the formation and growth of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Anenih, who served in several important political capacities, including as Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, was widely regarded as one of the most influential politicians produced by Edo State. Beyond occupying political offices, however, his greatest legacy was arguably his ability to identify, mentor and empower people who subsequently attained prominence in politics and business.

Yet, one of the enduring challenges in Nigerian politics has been the question of genuine loyalty. Political loyalty is often perceived as being conditional—based on convenience, personal interests or proximity to power. Individuals who profess loyalty while their political benefactor is in office sometimes disappear when circumstances change.

Against this backdrop, the recent actions of the National Leader of the NDC, Distinguished Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, have been described by party supporters as a demonstration of what genuine political loyalty should represent.

Dickson has consistently maintained relationships with political leaders who played significant roles in his political journey, irrespective of whether they remain in office. His continued recognition of former President Goodluck Jonathan, for instance, has been cited as evidence of his commitment to honouring those who contributed to his political development.

The same principle, according to observers, was recently demonstrated in his support for Akin Anenih, son of the late Chief Tony Anenih, in his bid to represent the Esan South-East/Esan North-East Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

Rather than allowing the political legacy of the late Anenih to fade into history, Dickson reportedly engaged political leaders and stakeholders within the constituency, mobilising support and building consensus around the emergence of Akin Anenih as the NDC candidate.

The development has been described as significant, particularly against the background of the struggles often faced by the children and political associates of deceased political leaders in sustaining their influence after the death of their patriarchs.

For supporters of Dickson, the decision goes beyond merely supporting a candidate. They see it as an acknowledgement of Chief Tony Anenih’s contributions to Edo State, the South-South region and Nigeria’s political development.

The episode has also renewed discussions about the importance of political mentorship and the responsibility of beneficiaries of political relationships to remember those who contributed to their emergence.

Dickson’s approach, his supporters argue, reflects a political philosophy in which loyalty is not merely transactional but is sustained by gratitude, history and shared values.

This philosophy is also said to have informed his handling of the NDC since its formation. According to party loyalists, many of the state executives who participated in the formation and early development of the party have remained in their positions despite pressures from various quarters for changes to be made.

They argue that retaining those who contributed to the establishment and growth of the party demonstrates confidence in political loyalty and continuity.

The support extended to the Anenih family has therefore been interpreted by NDC supporters as another manifestation of the same principle—a willingness to recognise the contributions of political predecessors and to support their families where appropriate.

For many political observers, such gestures are important because politics cannot be sustained by electoral calculations alone. A political system in which service, loyalty and mentorship are rewarded is more likely to encourage individuals to make sacrifices for the development of their communities and the nation.

The emergence of Akin Anenih on the NDC platform, with the reported backing and consensus-building efforts of Dickson, could therefore represent more than an individual political victory. It could signal an attempt to revive a culture in which political legacies are respected and genuine service is remembered.

As the 2027 elections draw closer, the episode is expected to resonate among political stakeholders across Edo State and the wider South-South region.

For supporters of the NDC, the message is clear: political loyalty should not end when power changes hands, and those who contribute to the growth of others should not be forgotten when they are no longer around to speak for themselves.

In that sense, Dickson’s support for Akin Anenih has been presented as both a political statement and a tribute to the enduring legacy of Chief Tony Anenih—a reminder that in politics, as in life, history remembers not only those who attained power, but also those who remembered the people who helped them get there.