Niger Delta youths back Tinubu’s 2027 re-election

Abdullateef Fowewe

A coalition of youths, students, women and other citizens from the Niger Delta has publicly thrown its weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term in 2027, stressing the administration deserves the chance to “complete his constitutional eight-year tenure” and continue its development programmes.

The declaration came through the newly inaugurated Niger Delta Accredited Supporters for Tinubu 2027, a platform set up to mobilise grassroots backing for the President and the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the oil- and gas-producing region and beyond.

Speaking to journalists, National Coordinator, Joseph Ebodei said the group’s inauguration in Abuja on 18 August 2026 underscored “the growing commitment of supporters from the Niger Delta and beyond to the Tinubu administration and the APC.”

He credited prominent Niger Delta leaders for devoting “resources, time and influence” to strengthening the party, singling out Double High Chief General Livinus Alix Odudu as a “respected personality” whose support has significantly boosted the association’s activities.

Ebodei argued that the APC government is making “visible efforts to improve the lives of Nigerians, strengthen democratic governance and promote development across various sectors of the country,” a view echoed by other leaders in the group.

Odudu, a Senior Patron of the movement, reaffirmed his personal commitment to Tinubu and APC candidates in 2027, pledging that the association would deploy “effective structures and strategies to support campaigns, voter mobilisation, election awareness and other legitimate electoral activities” across the Niger Delta and Nigeria.

National Secretary Dennis Ariaga highlighted the group’s early gains, noting that “prominent women have continued to identify with and support the association,” especially through programmes aimed at women’s empowerment and participation in governance.

He praised Matron Iku Tobechukwu Victoria for her dedication to women-focused initiatives and said her work would help “strengthen programmes designed to improve the welfare and participation of women while promoting the achievements and programmes of the Tinubu administration.”

Ariaga also pointed to collaborations with top women leaders, including First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and APC National Women Leader Dr Mary Alile Idele, as key to expanding opportunities for Nigerian women.

On security, Patron Hassan Olughu commended Tinubu for what he described as steps to “strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and place capable professionals in strategic positions,” citing the Federal Ministry of Defence and senior security officials in efforts to combat terrorism, banditry and other crimes.

The group further acknowledged the role of Bamanga Usman Jada, MD/CEO of the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA), in promoting a secure environment for oil and gas investments, with Ariaga stressing that effective management of the sector is crucial for “economic growth, revenue generation, employment opportunities and sustainable development.”

Ebodei assured supporters that the association would keep mobilising “legitimate support” for Tinubu ahead of 2027, expressing confidence that the President would win re-election and continue his development agenda.

He urged youths, women and students to stay committed to “peace, democratic participation and the development of their communities.”

“The movement is strong, the support is growing, and we remain committed to the democratic process as we approach 2027,” Ebodei said.