APC Has Tinubu, ADC Has Atiku, NDC Has Obi: WAZOBIA Is Ready for 2027, But Where Is Ijaw Nation?
........"Enough of Playing Second Fiddle!" Ijaw Leaders Challenged to Seize 2027 Power
By Passman Akpos
As Nigeria gradually approaches the 2027 general elections, growing political realignments across the country have sparked renewed conversations about the place of ethnic nationalities in the nation’s evolving political landscape.
In a strongly-worded commentary titled “Ijaw Nation: The Beautiful Bride Must Negotiate 2027 Ijaw Interest from the Position of Strength,” prominent public affairs commentator, Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli, has called on the Ijaw Nation to urgently unite and strategically position itself for the political negotiations that may shape Nigeria’s future.
Ikuli argued that current political developments bear striking similarities to the circumstances that characterized Nigeria’s First Republic, when major political parties largely reflected regional and ethnic interests. According to him, the emergence of key presidential contenders from Nigeria’s major ethnic blocs ahead of 2027 raises important questions about the political representation and bargaining power of the Ijaw people.
He noted that while major political actors from the Yoruba, Hausa-Fulani, and Igbo ethnic groups are already positioning themselves through various political platforms, the Ijaw Nation must ensure that its interests are not sidelined during future political negotiations.
Drawing from historical events, Ikuli highlighted the role played by the former Niger Delta Congress (NDC), founded by the late nationalist leader Harold Dappa-Biriye, as well as the contributions of former Bayelsa political icon, Chief Melford Okilo, in advancing Niger Delta interests during Nigeria’s early democratic era.
The commentator further emphasized the economic significance of the Ijaw Nation, noting that crude oil was first discovered in commercial quantities in Oloibiri, present-day Bayelsa State, in 1956. He argued that the Niger Delta, particularly Ijaw territories, has remained central to Nigeria’s oil and gas economy for decades.
According to him, despite these contributions, the Ijaw people have not received what he described as adequate political and economic recognition commensurate with their role in sustaining the nation’s economy.
Ikuli also reflected on the role played by the Ijaw Nation during critical moments in Nigeria’s history, including the Nigerian Civil War and the peaceful transfer of power following the 2015 presidential election involving former President Goodluck Jonathan.
He urged political leaders, intellectuals, youth groups, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and socio-cultural organizations within Ijaw communities to establish a coordinated think tank that would focus on promoting and protecting Ijaw political and economic interests.
While encouraging Ijaw politicians to remain active across different political parties, including the APC, ADC, PDP, NDC and others, he stressed the need for a unified agenda capable of influencing national conversations regardless of party affiliations.
“Ijaw Nation is the beautiful bride,” Ikuli stated, insisting that the ethnic nationality must leverage its strategic importance to negotiate from a position of strength ahead of the 2027 elections.
The statement is expected to further fuel ongoing debates about restructuring, resource control, minority rights, and the future of political representation in Nigeria as preparations for the next electoral cycle intensify.
