Get Guardian on Google***Tasks Nigerians on Power Change
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has taken its 2027 political mobilisation to the Niger Delta, with its vice-presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, urging Nigerians to turn their dissatisfaction with the APC government into electoral action.
At a colourful reception in Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State, Kwankwaso called on Nigerians to vote out the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027, arguing that worsening hunger, economic hardship and insecurity demand a change of leadership.
He also 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.
Kwankwaso spoke during a reception organised in his honour at the country home of former Bayelsa State Governor and NDC National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson.
The former Kano State governor said the country needed a government that would listen to citizens and involve them in decisions affecting their lives.
He described the NDC as a credible alternative, promising that its policies would reflect the interests and aspirations of Nigerians.
“Nigerians deserve a government that will listen to them, accommodate their interests and ensure that no section of the country is left behind,” he said.
Beyond the call for a change of government, Kwankwaso placed particular emphasis on 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.
He therefore urged Nigerians to protect their votes and ensure that the eventual results reflect the wishes of the electorate.
“Voting is not enough; Nigerians must also take responsibility for protecting their votes,” he said.
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, alleging that the people were also facing insecurity, victimisation, inducement and political intimidation.
The former governor described Obi and Kwankwaso as experienced leaders capable of restoring good governance and addressing the country’s economic and social challenges.
He urged supporters to take the party’s message beyond the reception venue by intensifying grassroots mobilisation across their communities.
Dickson also stressed that the NDC was open to Nigerians irrespective of their political backgrounds, describing it as a platform for all.
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.
Another significant feature was the presentation of party flags to NDC candidates contesting National Assembly and State House of Assembly seats in Bayelsa State.
The event was attended by party leaders, stakeholders, candidates and supporters from different parts of the state.
