In a significant political endorsement, the traditional rulers of Ogbia Kingdom in Nigeria's South-South region have formally called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to contest the 2027 presidential election, pledging their full political backing.
Royal Delegation Pledges Support at State House
The appeal was made directly to the President during a high-profile courtesy visit to the State House in Abuja on December 18, 2025. The delegation, led by the paramount ruler, Obanobhan III, King Dumaro Charles Dwaba, stated that Tinubu's leadership had rekindled confidence in the Niger Delta region.
Speaking on behalf of the visiting monarchs, King Collins Daniel conveyed the kingdom's collective stance. He declared that the people of Ogbia believe the President has demonstrated genuine goodwill through inclusive governance and tangible development projects, warranting their reciprocal support.
"In light of the above, it is our firm belief that Mr President has done us well and as such we cannot help but to reciprocate your kind gesture by inviting Mr President to contest the next Presidential election. You have the full support of the Ogbia Kingdom. Mr President, we are behind you," King Daniel stated.
Appointments and Development Earn Praise
The delegation, which included the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, expressed gratitude for key federal appointments given to Ogbia indigenes. They highlighted these appointments as evidence of the administration's commitment to regional inclusion and competence.
The leaders specifically cited several prominent appointments:
- Justice Moore Abraham Aseima Adumein to the Supreme Court.
- Dr. Samuel Ogbuku as MD of the NDDC.
- Sir Tonye Okio at the Federal Character Commission.
- Barrister Fernandez Marcus Obiene as Special Assistant to the President on Justice Reform and ICT.
These selections, according to the delegation, have restored faith in government and affirmed a sense of belonging for the people of the Niger Delta within the federation.
The traditional rulers also commended the visible performance of the NDDC under Dr. Ogbuku's leadership. They noted marked improvements in infrastructure and social programs across their communities, including:
- Provision of solar lighting, linked to improved security and local economic activity.
- Ongoing road construction and ecological interventions.
- Upgraded health facilities.
- Youth-focused initiatives under the NDDC's Project HOPE.
Historic Kingdom Presents Fresh Demands
Recalling Ogbia Kingdom's pivotal role in national history—as the birthplace of Nigeria's oil industry following the 1956 discovery at Oloibiri—the leaders presented a new set of requests for federal support.
The kingdom's fresh demands to the federal government include:
- The establishment of an Institute of Energy and Petroleum Studies.
- Federal collaboration on the construction of the Akaba Emadike Road.
- Urgent shoreline protection projects for erosion-prone coastal communities in Bayelsa and Rivers states.
The delegation reaffirmed its loyalty to the President and extended a formal invitation for him to visit the kingdom.
In his response, President Tinubu assured the traditional rulers of his administration's continued collaboration with Niger Delta representatives in government. He acknowledged past neglect but emphasized a forward-looking approach. "We cannot excuse the neglect of the past, but living in the past will do us no good, except take it and run with it now, carefully," the President stated.
This endorsement from a prominent South-South traditional kingdom is seen as a strategic boost for President Tinubu's political standing as the nation looks ahead to the 2027 electoral cycle.
