Ahead of the 2027 presidential election, Niger Delta groups under the aegis of Niger Delta Concerned Stakeholders for Accountable Security and Progress (NDCSASP) and the 21st Century Youths of Niger Delta have urged stakeholders, traditional rulers, sons and daughters of the South-South geopolitical zone of the country to throw their weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ( PBAT) Door-to-Door Movement being led by High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo
According to the groups, support for Tompolo to deliver Tinubu during the January 16, 2026 election will not be about politics, but about posterity, equity, justice and the survival of a region that produces over 80% of the wealth that feeds this nation called Nigeria
In a statement signed on Tuesday by the Enisuo Oruomoni, Spokesman, 21st Century Youths of Niger Delta and NDCSASP, he said it has become imperative to call on all Ijaw and Niger Delta youths, elders, women leaders, traditional rulers and opinion leaders to join the Ekpemupolo door-to-door campaign as that would be the moment for the South-South geopolitical zone to take its rightful place and ensure that Niger Delta is no longer treated as a mere basket, but as a true partner in building Nigeria
The groups have however vowed that they will not allow distraction and vilification and going forward, they will stand with their leader
The groups said Tompolo has demonstrated what they described as uncommon patriotism and love for Nigeria, saying that from securing the nation’s waterways and critical national assets through Tantita Security Services to preaching peace where there was war, he has proven that the Niger Delta can be a partner in national progress, not a problem
According to the groups, he is not just a man, but an institution that has carried the burden of the people’s struggle and brought opportunity where there was hopelessness, adding that it will therefore be shameful and self-destructive if we, the direct beneficiaries of his sacrifices, are the ones trying to vilify and distract him with Facebook gossip and character assassination
The statement read, “The Niger Delta Concerned Stakeholders for Accountable Security and Progress (NDCSASP) and the 21st Century Youths of Niger Delta call on all sons and daughters of Ijaw Nation, the Niger Delta and the entire South-South to rise in one voice and fully support the visionary door-to-door re-election campaign for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, being championed by our father, leader and pride, High Chief Dr Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (TOMPOLO) – The Ibe-Ebidouwei of Ijaw Nation.
“This is not just politics This is about posterity, equity, justice and the survival of a region that produces over 80% of the wealth that feeds this nation called Nigeria, yet has remained marginalized in the scheme of things since Independence in 1960.”
The groups further said, “High Chief Dr Government Ekpemupolo has demonstrated uncommon patriotism and love for Nigeria. From securing our waterways and critical national assets through Tantita Security Services to preaching peace where there was war, he has proven that the Niger Delta can be a partner in national progress, not a problem.
“He is not just a man, he is an institution He has carried the burden of our struggle and brought opportunity where there was hopelessness.
“It will therefore be shameful and self-destructive if we, the direct beneficiaries of his sacrifices, are the ones trying to vilify and distract him with Facebook gossip and character assassination
“We make this appeal: Allow him to lead God gave him that mantle. If you have any issue with his leadership style, seek a private audience as our culture demands. Facebook is not a palace. What you cannot verify, do not post. When we insult our own leaders in public, we invite outsiders to disrespect us all.”
On why President Tinubu deserves another four years, the groups said, “Since 1960, we have not seen a President from the South with the courage to correct the foundational injustices against the Niger Delta President Tinubu has done in three years what others could not do in eight: Local Government Autonomy: Through the landmark Supreme Court judgement secured by this administration, the 774 Local Governments now have full financial autonomy. Development will finally reach our creeks, villages and riverine communities directly.
“More Funds to States: By courageously removing the corrupt fuel subsidy, FAAC allocations have tripled Our Governors in the Niger Delta now receive the highest funds in history. The excuse of ‘no money’ is gone forever.
“Increased Funding for NDDC: President Tinubu has significantly increased funding and restored accountability to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), ensuring our oil wealth directly funds projects in our region, not private pockets
“Creation of South-South Development Commission: In a historic move, the President has created the South-South Development Commission to replace the old Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs – a direct response to our demand for a grassroots-driven development agency that will fast-track infrastructure, youth empowerment and industrialization of the South-South
“Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway: A 700km legacy super-highway that will permanently connect the Niger Delta to Lagos, open our coastline to global investment, tourism and industrialization, and end decades of isolation
“Revival of Niger Delta Ports: The President has approved the full modernization of Warri, Calabar, Onne, Port Harcourt and Burutu Ports to decongest Lagos and return the Niger Delta as the true maritime hub of West Africa
“State Police: President Tinubu is championing the State Police Bill – a 50-year demand of the Niger Delta struggle – to allow us secure our own communities, forests and waterways
“Youth Future Secured: Through NELFUND Student Loan, Consumer Credit Scheme and other empowerment initiatives, our youths now have a future beyond the creeks”
On what the second term means to Niger Delta Chapter, the groups said, ” We support President Tinubu for a second term with a clear charter for our region:
“Creation of More States and Local Governments: For equity and justice, we demand the creation of additional states and Local Governments for the Ijaw Nation and other marginalized nationalities in the South-South
“Resource Control & True Federalism: We call on the President to entrench Resource Control where states control their resources and pay tax to the centre, as it was under our founding fathers
“A New Peoples’ Constitution: Nigeria urgently needs a new, people-oriented Constitution written by Nigerians for Nigerians, not the 1999 military decree, that will guarantee true federalism, self-determination and environmental justice Completion of East-West Road and Coastal Industrialization.
“If Nigerians, in the spirit of national unity and the gentleman agreement of our founding fathers for equity and justice, allowed the late President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, to complete his 8 years despite his serious health challenges, it is only fair, just, and equitable that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu – who has shown more practical commitment to the Niger Delta in three years than many did in eight – be allowed to complete his own 8 years to finish his reforms
“We call on all Ijaw and Niger Delta youths, elders, women leaders, traditional rulers and opinion leaders to join High Chief Dr Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo ( Tompolo’s ) door-to-door campaign This is our moment to take our rightful place and ensure the Niger Delta is no longer treated as a mere basket but as a true partner in building Nigeria. We will not allow distraction and vilification going forward. We will stand with our leader. Enough is enough. Let us protect our own.”