Senate President Godswill Akpabio has declared that President Bola Tinubu will not face the same political fate as former President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2027 general elections, warning that any conspiracy against the current administration will fail.
Akpabio made the assertion during the grand finale of the 25th anniversary celebration of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
His remarks were contained in a statement issued by his media aide, Anietie Ekong on Sunday.
The former Akwa Ibom State governor stated that the Niger Delta region had resolved to stand firmly behind Tinubu’s re-election bid, citing the President’s developmental projects in the oil-rich region.
“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,” Akpabio declared.
“Let those conspiring against President Tinubu hear this loud and clear—on his mandate we stand. No conspiracy formed against this government that has recognized the Niger Delta shall prosper.”
Akpabio, who served as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs under former President Muhammadu Buhari, praised Tinubu for establishing key institutions in the region, including the Environmental Sciences University in Ogoni, a Maritime University in Okerenkoko, and other agricultural and technology-focused tertiary institutions.
He emphasized that no previous administration had invested as much in the Niger Delta as Tinubu’s government.
“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 warned.
The event was attended by former President Goodluck Jonathan, Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator George Akume (representing Tinubu), Rivers State Administrator Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd), federal lawmakers, ministers, traditional rulers, and other key stakeholders.
Akpabio also addressed the frequent leadership changes at the NDDC, describing them as a major setback for the region’s development. He blamed internal conflicts, political sabotage, and what he termed “periwinkle politics”—petty rivalries and power struggles—for the commission’s inability to deliver on its mandate.
“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 that as Niger Delta Affairs Minister, he had to ensure the completion of the NDDC headquarters, which had been under construction for over 20 years.
However, he commended the current NDDC management led by Dr. Samuel Ogbuku for maintaining stability and continuing projects initiated by past administrations.
“I salute the present management. President Tinubu understands the value of stability and has allowed the current board to serve its full term. This is how to break the cycle of waste and begin to see real impact,” he said.
Former President Jonathan, speaking at the event, praised Tinubu for sustaining the NDDC board, describing it as a step toward sustainable development in the region.
In a goodwill message delivered by Akume, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to Niger Delta development, stating that the NDDC remains pivotal to the region’s economic growth and social progress.
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