Senate President Godswill Akpabio has declared that the Niger Delta region will strongly oppose any attempt to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 general elections, asserting that the President enjoys solid support in the region.
Speaking during the grand finale of the Niger Delta Development Commission’s (NDDC) 25th anniversary held on Saturday in Port Harcourt, Akpabio drew comparisons to the 2015 political scenario that saw former President Goodluck Jonathan ousted.
He stated that this time, the region would not allow a repeat.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Anietie Ekong, on Sunday, Akpabio said:
“They did it before and conspired to remove our son, President Goodluck Jonathan. This time around, the entire Niger Delta region has decided to speak with one voice.”
“Let those conspiring against President Tinubu hear this loud and clear on his mandate we stand. No conspiracy formed against this government that has recognised the Niger Delta shall prosper.”
Akpabio praised President Tinubu’s commitment to the Niger Delta, citing the administration’s recent interventions and projects.
He pointed to the establishment of new institutions such as the University of Environmental Sciences in Ogoni and the Maritime University in Okerenkoko, describing them as unprecedented.
“This is the region that produces the wealth of the nation. We have the right to choose who manages our resources. People should not think anyone can just become president without consulting the Niger Delta,” he said.
The high-profile event drew several dignitaries including former President Jonathan, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Senator George Akume, who represented President Tinubu, Rivers State Administrator Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), federal lawmakers, ministers, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders.
Akpabio also expressed concern over the history of leadership instability within the NDDC, attributing stalled projects and inefficiency to frequent changes and political interference.
“Each new leadership came with fresh ideas, abandoning projects initiated by their predecessors. That’s how we ended up with over 14,700 abandoned projects across the region,” he lamented.
He recalled overseeing the long-delayed completion of the NDDC headquarters during his tenure as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, a project that had been abandoned for more than two decades.
However, Akpabio praised the current management of the Commission under Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, noting that the stability of the board is now restoring focus and effectiveness.
“I am satisfied with the current NDDC leadership. President Tinubu’s decision to allow the board to complete its full term is commendable and is helping the Commission fulfill its mandate,” he said.
In his remarks, former President Goodluck Jonathan also applauded the current administration for maintaining continuity in the NDDC leadership.
He described it as a vital step toward sustained development in the region.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the President, SGF George Akume reiterated the federal government’s dedication to the Niger Delta.
He highlighted the ambitious 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, which he said would complement the East-West Road and stimulate economic growth across the South-South region.
