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• insists Niger Delta interests must shape 2027 political choices
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has declared that no presidential candidate has secured its endorsement ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that the interests of the Niger Delta must be central to the political choices of the region.
The organisation said it remained neutral for now, despite engagements with some political aspirants, adding that its leadership had not taken a decision on which candidate, if any, to support.
PANDEF’s position was made known by its National Chairman of the NEC, Godknows Igali, during an appearance on Political Platform, a programme aired on AIT and RayPower on Friday.
Igali said although some political candidates had met with representatives of the organisation and others had expressed interest in engaging its leadership, none had secured its endorsement.
He explained that PANDEF’s governing organs had the authority to decide whether the organisation should adopt a candidate, stressing that its position would be determined by prevailing circumstances and the enduring interests of the Niger Delta.
The PANDEF representative urged the people of the region to scrutinise the manifestos and commitments of political parties and candidates ahead of the elections rather than make political choices solely on the basis of party affiliations.
He identified environmental degradation, ecological fragility, resource allocation and the development of oil-producing communities as critical issues that should inform the region’s political engagement.
According to him, candidates seeking the support of the Niger Delta must demonstrate a clear understanding of the region’s challenges and show commitment to addressing them.
Igali particularly called for a broader environmental cleanup and restoration programme to address the damage caused by years of oil exploration and other activities in the region.
He also advocated a reconsideration of the offshore/onshore dichotomy in the country’s resource allocation framework, arguing that the existing arrangement should take account of the realities of fishing communities whose livelihoods are connected to offshore waters.
On cooperation among governors in the South-South, Igali defended collaboration among the state chief executives, maintaining that working together was important for advancing shared regional interests.
Responding to questions about whether political representation over the years had translated into the expected development for the Niger Delta, he maintained that the region must continue to hold political leaders accountable for their commitments.
He reiterated that PANDEF would not allow partisan considerations to override the collective interests of the region, adding that its position on the 2027 elections would be communicated when the appropriate decision was reached.
Igali also cautioned political parties and aspirants against assuming that the outcome of the elections was already settled, urging them to engage the people and address issues affecting their welfare.
He said PANDEF would continue to provide guidance to the people of the Niger Delta as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections gathered momentum.
