2027 : Akpabio mobilises Niger Delta for Tinubu, urges stability in NDDC

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called on the people of the Niger Delta to rally behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in 2027, citing the administration’s development-focused agenda in the oil-producing region.

Speaking over the weekend at the grand finale of the Niger Delta Development Commission’s (NDDC) 25th anniversary in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Akpabio said the region has benefited significantly under Tinubu’s leadership.

The event drew high-profile dignitaries including former President Goodluck Jonathan, Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator George Akume (who represented President Tinubu), Rivers State Administrator Admiral Ibokette Ibas, traditional rulers, lawmakers, ministers, and stakeholders from the Niger Delta.

A statement from Anietie Ekong, Special Assistant on Media/Communication to the Senate President, quoted Akpabio as saying, “In the past the Niger Delta was used as the goose that produced the golden egg with nothing to show for it…” and praised initiatives such as the Environmental Sciences University in Ogoniland and the Maritime University in Okerenkoko.

He emphasized that the region has a right to play a decisive role in national leadership, adding, “We the people of the Niger Delta have assessed President Tinubu and have found him fit to continue in office beyond 2027…”

Akpabio also took issue with the instability at the NDDC, attributing delays in infrastructure and social development to the frequent replacement of its management.

He lauded the current leadership of Dr. Samuel Ogbuku for staying true to the Commission’s founding vision and executing projects that benefit local communities.

According to him, the pattern of internal disputes and leadership turnover has historically hampered progress: “There were many reasons we have had so much problems in NDDC… Each management in the NDDC would conspire against themselves…”

He pointed out that more than 14,700 projects were abandoned due to changes in leadership, a trend that President Tinubu aims to end by ensuring management continuity. “I salute the present management,” he said.

Akpabio recounted that it wasn’t until his tenure as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs that the long-abandoned NDDC headquarters project was finally completed.

In his remarks, former President Jonathan praised President Tinubu for sustaining the current board of the NDDC, which he said was vital for long-term regional development.