RismadarVoice Reporters
November 5, 2026
The recent visit of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi to Bayelsa State has renewed discussions about political unity, environmental protection and economic development across the Ijaw Nation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obi visited Bayelsa on October 30 for the homecoming of former governor and NDC National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson.
The visit featured the commissioning of the party’s state secretariat in Yenagoa, political engagements and a traditional Ijaw boat regatta in Toru-Orua, Sagbama Local Government Area.
Commenting on the development, former President of the Ijaw National Congress, Professor Benjamin Okaba, stressed the importance of preserving Ijaw unity despite differences in political affiliation.
According to remarks attributed to him, political parties and individual ambitions should not overshadow the collective interests of Ijaw communities.
Okaba urged political leaders to prioritise environmental restoration, infrastructure, healthcare, education, security and economic opportunities across the Niger Delta.
He also called for greater attention to the proposed Agge Seaport and investments in maritime transport, fisheries, agriculture and tourism.
As part of his recommendations, Okaba proposed an Ijaw Development Compact involving political parties, traditional institutions, elected representatives, civil society organisations and youth groups.
The proposed framework would establish shared development priorities and measurable commitments for assessing political leaders and governments.
Okaba maintained that political competition should focus on practical policies rather than personalities or public displays of support.
He urged the ruling All Progressives Congress, the NDC and other parties to demonstrate how their programmes would address longstanding development challenges.
Also commenting, lawyer and former Movement for the Survival of the Ijaw Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta spokesman, Amaebi Clarkson, described the traditional war canoe display during Obi’s visit as culturally significant.
Clarkson said the reception reflected the importance of Ijaw identity and traditional institutions in community engagement.
During the visit, Obi pledged to improve port infrastructure across the Niger Delta, while Dickson expressed support for developing the Agge Seaport.
The proposals remain political commitments rather than approved or funded projects.
The discussions surrounding the visit have highlighted the need for political stakeholders to address environmental degradation, youth unemployment, inadequate infrastructure and insecurity.
Okaba maintained that protecting Ijaw unity and securing measurable development commitments should remain priorities regardless of political differences or electoral outcomes.
