The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has taken its 2027 political mobilisation to the Niger Delta, with Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the party's vice-presidential candidate, calling on Nigerians to turn their dissatisfaction with the APC government into electoral action. At a reception in Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State, Kwankwaso urged Nigerians to vote out the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027. He argued that worsening hunger, economic hardship, and insecurity demand a change of leadership.
Kwankwaso promised that an administration led by the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and himself would run an inclusive government that would accommodate Nigerians across ethnic, religious, political, and social divides. He described the NDC as a credible alternative, promising that its policies would reflect the interests and aspirations of Nigerians. The former Kano State governor emphasized that the country needed a government that would listen to citizens and involve them in decisions affecting their lives.
The reception was organised in Kwankwaso's honour at the country home of former Bayelsa State Governor and NDC National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson. Dickson, who is seeking re-election to the Senate for Bayelsa West, used the occasion to rally support for the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket and other NDC candidates. He accused the APC-led governments at the federal and state levels of worsening the hardship confronting Bayelsans.
Dickson alleged that the people were also facing insecurity, victimisation, inducement, and political intimidation. He described Obi and Kwankwaso as experienced leaders capable of restoring good governance and addressing the country's economic and social challenges. The former governor urged supporters to take the party's message beyond the reception venue by intensifying grassroots mobilisation across their communities.
Kwankwaso also emphasized the need for electoral vigilance, warning that merely casting ballots would not be enough to guarantee a credible outcome in 2027. He expressed concern over alleged efforts by anti-democratic forces and agents of the ruling party to manipulate the elections. Therefore, he urged Nigerians to protect their votes and ensure that the eventual results reflect the wishes of the electorate.
The reception combined political mobilisation with Ijaw cultural expression, as Kwankwaso joined Dickson and other party leaders in the traditional Ijaw war boat display known as Ama-Aru. The procession took place along the Toru-Orua axis of River Forcados, highlighting the cultural heritage of the Ijaw people. The event was attended by party leaders, stakeholders, candidates, and supporters from different parts of the state.
The NDC also presented party flags to its candidates contesting National Assembly and State House of Assembly seats in Bayelsa State. Dickson stressed that the NDC was open to Nigerians irrespective of their political backgrounds, describing it as a platform for all. The party's message was clear: Nigerians deserve a government that will listen to them, accommodate their interests, and ensure that no section of the country is left behind.
Key points
- Nigerians should vote out the APC government in 2027 due to worsening hunger, economic hardship, and insecurity.
- The NDC promises an inclusive government that accommodates Nigerians across ethnic, religious, political, and social divides.
- Electoral vigilance is crucial to prevent manipulation of the 2027 elections.
Reporting sources
- The Guardian · The Guardian
