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From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has intensified efforts to strengthen its political structures in Bayelsa State ahead of the 2027 general elections, with its National Chairman, Moses Zuwoghe, charging party leaders and stakeholders to deepen grassroots mobilisation, promote unity and build a formidable platform capable of sustaining the party’s electoral ambitions.
The renewed mobilisation came as the party’s National Leader and former Bayelsa State governor, Senator Henry Dickson, received recognition from the Student Union Government (SUG) and Alumni Association of the University of Africa, Toru-Orua, for his contributions to educational development, while the Obi Media Office condemned an alleged attack on the campaign convoy of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Calabar, Cross River State.
Zuwoghe, who spoke during a strategic meeting with the party’s leadership in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area on Wednesday, stressed that the success of the NDC in the forthcoming elections would depend largely on the strength of its grassroots structures, the commitment of party officials and their ability to mobilise support across communities.
The meeting, held at the Headquarters Secretariat Complex of His Will Political Family Worldwide in Yenagoa, brought together members of the local government executive committee and ward executive committees from the 17 wards of Southern Ijaw to review the party’s organisational capacity, strengthen internal coordination and develop strategies for effective political engagement.
Also in attendance were the party’s four House of Assembly candidates in Southern Ijaw, Ogede Embeleakpo, Ifiemi Embiowei, Ziriki Godwill and Alfred Salvation, alongside its House of Representatives candidate for Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency, Leghemo Diepreye.
The NDC chairman emphasised the importance of discipline, unity, effective coordination and collective responsibility, warning that political structures could only deliver results when officials at every level remained active, organised and committed to the party’s objectives.
He urged ward and local government leaders to intensify engagement with residents, strengthen communication among party members and ensure that the NDC’s message of good governance, justice and people-centred leadership reached communities across Southern Ijaw.
Zuwoghe maintained that the journey to the 2027 elections would require commitment, sacrifice and teamwork, assuring party faithful that the leadership was determined to consolidate its structures not only in Southern Ijaw but across Bayelsa State.
Meanwhile, Dickson has been decorated as Grand Patron of the Alumni Association of the University of Africa, Toru-Orua, in recognition of his contributions to educational development, particularly the establishment of the institution during his administration as governor of Bayelsa State.
The honour was conferred on him during a courtesy visit by representatives of the university’s alumni association and SUG, which also presented the former governor with an award of recognition for his investment in education and human capital development.
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Speaking during the visit, the President of the Alumni Association, Kofa Samuel, commended Dickson for his vision in establishing the university, noting that the institution had continued to expand educational opportunities for young people within and outside Bayelsa State.
Samuel disclosed that the university had produced 13 first-class graduates from Bayelsa West Senatorial District alone, describing the achievement as evidence of the impact of the educational initiative.
Responding, Dickson expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded by the institution, stressing that investment in education remained one of the most enduring instruments for developing human capacity, creating opportunities and transforming society.
He maintained that education should not be viewed merely as a means of securing employment or earning a livelihood, but as a foundation for acquiring knowledge, developing leadership capacity and contributing meaningfully to society.
The senator urged students and alumni to embrace responsibility, service and leadership, while encouraging them to identify with the NDC, which he described as a political platform committed to creating opportunities for young Nigerians and shaping the country’s future.
In a related development, the Obi Media Office condemned the alleged attack on the campaign convoy of Peter Obi in Calabar on Wednesday, warning that political violence posed a serious threat to democratic participation and the peaceful conduct of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by Idris Zekeri Jnr., the media office expressed concern over what it described as the exploitation of economically vulnerable youths by politicians who allegedly recruited them to perpetrate violence against political opponents.
It called on security agencies to investigate the incident thoroughly, identify those directly responsible and establish whether any individuals or groups sponsored the alleged attack.
The media office maintained that political disagreements must not become excuses for intimidation, harassment or violence, warning that the use of young people as instruments of political disruption could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
It urged political leaders and other stakeholders to demonstrate restraint, promote tolerance and ensure that their supporters conducted themselves peacefully throughout the electioneering period.
Reaffirming Obi’s commitment to peaceful and issue-based campaigning, the media office stressed that political competition must be conducted within the bounds of the law, insisting that no political ambition justified the loss of a Nigerian life.
