2027: Ijaw Political Leaders Urge Jonathan Not To Split South’s Unity

Leaders of All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Arogbo Ijaw Kingdom, have urged former President Goodluck Jonathan not to allow himself to be used to split the unity of the southern region in the 2027 election.

They told the former president to be alert to the antics of some political actors.

They stated this after a meeting held at Arogbo Town on Sunday.

The party leaders, who called themselves like-minds, however declared their support for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 reelection.

The meeting was convened by Golukumo Kirimini Godwin (Arogbo Ward 1 chairman); Idimakoro Mokili (Arogbo Ward 3); Gunuboh Ikiyoulemoh Honesty (Ukparama Ward 1); and Lawrence Etimiodimini Felix Gbodo (Ukparama Ward 2).

According to their communique obtained by LEADERSHIP after the meeting, four ward chairmen of Arogbo Kingdom; three councilors of the Kingdom; 10 APC leaders from each of the five wards of the Kingdom; and five PDP leaders each, from the two Wards of Ukparama 1&2, attended the meeting.

The communique read in part, “Without prejudice to the rights of individuals, especially from the Niger Delta who have discretely committed themselves to run for the 2027 Presidency, we urge such to be weary of the antics of those whose desire it is to divide the southern votes in order to sabotage President Tinubu.

“Such politicians with allies alike from other areas have a mission to use the Niger Delta as a tool to achieve their aim of dividing the South. We must be mindful of such antics. Clearly, to those who are unaware, the antics of those supporting one of our own in the Niger Delta or anywhere in the South for the 2027 Presidency are up for mischief; it is not out of love.

“Against this backdrop, we urge our former President Goodluck Ebelo Jonathan, GCFR to be on alert and not to be used to achieve any goal aimed at undermining the south’s electoral unity come 2027. Atiku, Others Want To Use Him To Divide South,” it said.

The leaders further said they are aligned with the efforts of Ijaw leader, High Chief Government Oweizidei Ekpomupolo (TOMPOLO) in garnering support for President Tinubu across the entire Niger Delta stretch through the PBAT DOOR2DOOR Campaign outfit.

They also declared their support for the campaigns/support groups that have mobilising support for the President across Ondo State, and thanked Governor Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa as well as the minister of Interior, Hon (Dr.) Olubunmi Tunji Ojo for supporting these campaign/support groups.

They also expressed support for national vice chairman of the APC (Southwest), Hon (Dr) D. I. Kekemeke, the Ondo State Chairman, Engr Ade Adetimehin, and the Ondo Representative on the Board of the NDDC, Hon Otito Atikase.

They also commended the member representing Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon Donald Ojogo in respect of his projects in the constituency.

“We appreciate Hon Donald Ojogo for his efforts at projecting the federal constituency.

“We are particularly excited that his efforts at bringing the National Institute for Entrepreneurial and Vocational Studies to Agadagba Obon-Arogbo are yielding results with the Bill speedily reaching the Committee and Public Hearing stage. We cannot wait for the good news that is being expected shortly,” they said.

They also threw their weight behind Hon Ojogo for another term to complete two terms as was the case with his predecessor.

“We therefore specifically solicit the support of our Apoi brothers to allow Arogbo Ijaw Kingdom complete eight years like we did for the late Chief Z B Obolo and His Excellency, Hon Agboola Ajayi.

“In the case of our Ilaje neighbours, we are not unmindful of your political sophistication and equally seek your support for our son to complete two terms as a way of reciprocating our gesture for your son for two terms from 2015-2023.

“In the light of the foregoing, we resolved to meaningfully engage our neighbours, especially those of the same political party as well as those who share similar views with us.

“We intend to do this through dialogue and lobby by setting up necessary machinery to achieve socio-political harmony in our dear federal constituency.

“That our support for Hon Donald Ojogo is sacrosanct, and not in any way different from that which is given to our dear President because Gon Donald Ojogo is our link to Abuja,” the communique stated.