Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said that President Bola Tinubu will not face the same political outcome as former President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2027 general elections. He made the remarks on Saturday during the grand finale of the Niger Delta Development Commission’s (NDDC) 25th anniversary celebration in Port Harcourt.

In a statement released Sunday by his media aide, Anietie Ekong, Akpabio warned that the Niger Delta would resist any attempt to remove the current president, citing the administration’s investment in the region.

He said the region had resolved to support Tinubu’s re-election, adding, “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. 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, who previously served as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, commended President Tinubu for initiating new institutions in the region, including the University of Environmental Sciences in Ogoni and the Maritime University in Okerenkoko. He said no previous administration had committed as many resources to the region.

“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 added.

The event in Rivers State drew several high-level attendees, including former President Jonathan, Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator George Akume (who represented the president), Rivers State Administrator Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), members of the National Assembly, ministers, traditional rulers, and stakeholders from the Niger Delta.

Akpabio also criticised the instability of leadership in the NDDC, blaming internal disputes and political interference for stalled development. He said that the frequent changes had led to over 14,700 abandoned projects.

“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 said. He noted that he had to oversee the completion of the NDDC headquarters during his time as minister after it was left unfinished for over two decades.

However, Akpabio expressed satisfaction with the current NDDC management under Dr Samuel Ogbuku. He praised the board’s stability and said Tinubu’s decision to allow the board to complete its full term was helping to restore focus to the Commission’s development mandate.

Former President Jonathan, who also spoke at the event, commended the administration for retaining the current NDDC leadership, describing the move as necessary for long-term progress in the region.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the president, SGF George Akume reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to the Niger Delta. He highlighted the 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as a flagship infrastructure project that will complement the East-West Road and boost economic activity across the region.