Peter Obi’s Bayelsa visit triggers political realignment as Ijaw leaders demand devt, unity

By Samuel Oyadongha, Yenagoa The political landscape of Bayelsa State is undergoing a seismic shift following last week’s visit of Mr. Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC’s presidential candidate, to the heart of the Ijaw Nation. This development, stakeholders said, has introduced a new dimension into the evolving political configuration of the state and the wider Niger Delta ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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Political analysts and Ijaw leaders who spoke to our correspondent described the developments as more than ceremonial, saying they signal the beginning of fresh political alignments and realignments that could reshape the state’s political architecture. Delivering a penetrating analysis, Professor Benjamin Okaba, a university don and immediate past President of the Ijaw National Congress, INC, said Obi’s visit “has introduced another significant dimension into the evolving political configuration of Bayelsa State and, by extension, the Ijaw Nation.” Okaba, who recalled his 2024 Bayelsa State Annual Thanksgiving remarks on political alignment and realignment, emphasized that while political affiliations may change, “our identity, history and collective aspirations as an Ijaw people must remain constant.” He said Senator Dickson’s emergence as NDC National Leader “introduces a new dimension into Bayelsa politics,” noting that his experience as a former governor and serving senator gives the party an important political foothold.

However, he cautioned that “the success of any political platform must depend on its policies, credibility and commitment to the people’s welfare, not merely political structures or personalities.” Cultural Renaissance, Political Symbolism The traditional boat regatta at Toru-Orua, according to Okaba, underscored the importance of Ijaw cultural identity in political engagement.

But he stressed that “celebrating our culture must go beyond ceremonial participation. Political leaders must demonstrate sustained commitment to the welfare, security and development of our riverine communities.” On Obi’s comments regarding federal attention to Bayelsa, Okaba said they “raise important questions about the marginalisation of oil-producing communities.

Our people deserve environmental restoration, improved infrastructure, quality education, healthcare and equitable benefits from the resources extracted from their ancestral territories.” The former INC president also highlighted the proposal for a Bayelsa seaport, particularly the long-standing Agge aspiration, insisting it “deserves serious consideration.” He added: “Beyond crude oil, the Ijaw Nation must explore its maritime, agricultural, fisheries and tourism potentials to create employment and stimulate sustainable economic development.” On security, Okaba called for an integrated strategy to tackle kidnapping, piracy and other criminal activities, noting that “effective policing must be complemented by infrastructure, education, youth empowerment and employment opportunities.

Sustainable security cannot be separated from sustainable development.” In what appears to be a major policy intervention, Okaba advocated an Ijaw Development Compact involving political parties, elected representatives, traditional institutions, the INC, civil society organisations, professional groups and youth organisations. “The purpose should be to identify and articulate common developmental priorities for the Ijaw Nation and establish measurable commitments against which political parties and elected representatives can be assessed,” he said, adding that such a compact should address environmental restoration, infrastructure, education, healthcare, economic diversification, youth development, resource control, security and political representation.

“It should not be another ceremonial document. It should provide a practical framework for engagement, advocacy, monitoring and accountability.” In a direct message to the NDC and the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Okaba advised both parties to “move beyond partisan antagonism and make the development of Bayelsa State and the wider Ijaw territory the central focus of their political engagements.” He listed critical areas both parties must address: environmental justice and ecological restoration; infrastructure and connectivity; education and healthcare; youth empowerment and employment; economic diversification; resource c