Niger Delta Political Earthquake? Ex-Militant Coalition Backs Peter Obi, Chris Iyovwaye And Omo-Agege, Announces Mass Decampment
By Passman Akpos
Coalition Says Members From Phases One, Two And Three Will Declare Their Political Allegiance Within The Week, Citing A Common Agenda For Nigeria And Delta State
A coalition identifying itself as the National Democratic Congress (NDC), comprising ex-militants from Phases One, Two and Three of the Niger Delta, has announced plans to formally declare its political intentions within the week, while unveiling its endorsement of Peter Obi, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye and Senator Ovie Omo-Agege for their respective political positions.
In a political announcement attributed to the coalition, the group said members drawn from different political parties would be moving to the NDC, describing the planned development as a coordinated political realignment involving its members and supporters across Delta State.
The announcement was signed by Hon. Cletus Turu Ebiowaodoubouwei, identified as the coalition’s national coordinator and associated with Burutu North Ward 4 in Delta State.
Under its proposed political alignment, the coalition named Peter Obi as its presidential candidate, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye as its preferred governorship candidate in Delta State, and Senator Ovie Omo-Agege as its senatorial choice for Delta Central.
The group said its decision was driven by what it described as a common agenda for a better Nigeria and Delta State.
Coalition Announces Planned Decampment
The coalition declared that its members would formally announce their political intentions within the week, suggesting that the anticipated declaration would involve a movement from their respective political parties to the NDC.
The announcement featured the message, “We are loading for decamps within the week,” indicating that the group intends to make its political realignment public.
It also stated that Niger Delta militant leaders and their followers would be part of the planned declaration.
However, the coalition’s announcement did not provide a verified membership figure or specify the number of individuals expected to participate in the proposed political movement.
The actual scale of the planned decampment, the identities of participating leaders and the extent of support across the three phases remain to be independently established.
Peter Obi, Chris Iyovwaye And Omo-Agege Named As Preferred Candidates
In outlining its political choices, the coalition identified Peter Obi as its preferred presidential candidate under the NDC banner.
It also named Deacon Chris Iyovwaye as its preferred governorship candidate in Delta State and Senator Ovie Omo-Agege as its choice for the Delta Central senatorial seat.
The coalition’s announcement presents the three political figures as central to its proposed political alignment.
Nevertheless, the announcement alone does not establish whether the named individuals have formally accepted the coalition’s endorsement or whether their candidacies have been officially confirmed under the stated party arrangement.
Further clarification would be required regarding the candidates’ party affiliations, the relevant electoral arrangements and the status of their candidacies.
Niger Delta Political Realignment
The proposed declaration comes against the backdrop of continuing political competition and negotiations over representation, leadership and the future direction of the Niger Delta.
Ex-militant leaders and former participants in the region’s disarmament and reintegration programmes have remained part of discussions about political participation, development, youth empowerment and resource allocation.
The coalition’s announcement suggests an attempt by its members to organise around a common political platform.
However, the extent to which the proposed movement represents the wider ex-militant community in the Niger Delta remains unclear, as no independently verified membership list or breakdown of participating groups was provided in the announcement.
‘Delta State Is The Choice’
Emphasising its stated commitment to the political project, the coalition used the slogans “One Agenda, A Better Nigeria and Delta State” and “Together, Delta State Is the Choice.”
It also expressed confidence in its ability to carry out the proposed political realignment, declaring, “We Can Do It.”
Hon. Cletus Turu Ebiowaodoubouwei, signing as national coordinator, said the group would come out within the week to declare its intentions to Nigerians and the people of Delta State.
The planned declaration is expected to provide further details about the coalition’s leadership, the scope of its membership and the political activities it intends to pursue.
Questions Awaiting Clarification
Several issues remain open ahead of the anticipated declaration.
These include the number of ex-militants and supporters involved, the political parties from which members intend to move, the formal status of the NDC platform and the confirmation of the candidacies announced by the coalition.
It also remains to be established whether the planned decampment will involve individual members, recognised political structures or a broader coalition of former militant leaders and their followers.
Until the group provides further details and the claims can be independently verified, the announcement should be understood as a declaration of political intention rather than confirmation of a completed mass defection.
For now, the coalition says it is preparing to make its next move within the week, with Peter Obi, Chris Iyovwaye and Ovie Omo-Agege at the centre of its announced political alignment.
Tarakirivoice Newspaper will continue to monitor developments and report further details as they emerge.
