Senate President Godswill Akpabio has expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not face the same political fate as former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2027, warning that the Niger Delta region will firmly resist any conspiracy aimed at unseating the current administration.
Akpabio made this declaration on Saturday at the grand finale of the 25th anniversary celebration of the Niger Delta Development Commission, held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The statement was released by his media aide, Anietie Ekong, on Sunday.
According to Akpabio, the Niger Delta has resolved to stand solidly behind President Tinubu, citing the administration’s recognition of the region and its commitment to development.
“They did it before and conspired to remove our son, President Goodluck Jonathan. This time around, the entire Niger Delta 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 recognised the Niger Delta shall prosper.”
Akpabio, a former governor of Akwa Ibom and one-time Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, commended Tinubu for initiating projects and institutions in the region, including a University of Environmental Sciences in Ogoni and a Maritime University in Okerenkoko.
He said no previous administration had shown such tangible commitment to the oil-producing zone.
“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 drew a wide range of dignitaries including former President Goodluck Jonathan, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume (who represented Tinubu), former service chiefs, federal lawmakers, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders.
In his address, Akpabio criticised the historical instability in NDDC’s leadership, describing it as a major challenge that has stalled development in the region.
He lamented that frequent leadership changes have led to the abandonment of over 14,000 projects.
