…Unveils New Campaign Strategy
By Tari Gboriye, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has criticised the Federal Government over the alleged exclusion of the state from the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, describing the development as an act of marginalisation against a state that contributes significantly to the nation’s economy.
The party’s State Publicity Secretary, Prince Mac-Ake, stated this during a media parley organised at the party’s secretariat complex in Biogbolo, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Mac-Ake said it was unacceptable that Bayelsa, which contributes significantly to Nigeria’s economic sustenance through its oil resources, would be left out of such a major national infrastructure project.
“You are aware of the issues surrounding the coastal road and how Bayelsa has been technically removed. The ruling party has also excluded Bayelsa from its campaign itinerary. These are major issues.”
He said it was unfair for Bayelsa to be treated differently despite its contributions to the national economy.
“We cannot live in a country where we claim to be equal, yet, when it is time to share, we are excluded. Bayelsa is a strategic state. It is not a crime to be a Bayelsan.”
The NDC spokesman, however, said the situation presented an opportunity for the party to convince Bayelsans to support its candidates in the 2027 general elections.
He said the party would use its campaign to highlight the qualities of its candidates, whom he described as more qualified, transparent and committed to good governance.
Mac-Ake also unveiled the party’s campaign strategy ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying it had adopted a grassroots-oriented approach centred on direct engagement with the electorate rather than the conventional practice of organising elaborate rallies.
“There are many ways of campaigning, and we have adopted different strategies. Our campaign is about you and me. We do not believe in the jamborees we used to organise in the past. If we must govern and serve the people, we must be able to engage directly with them,” he said.
He reassured supporters who had expressed concern over the perceived low-key activities of the party that the NDC was working round the clock to strengthen its structures and prepare its candidates for the elections.
The publicity secretary further disclosed that the party’s presidential campaign council was expected to be inaugurated from October 21, following an earlier indication by the party’s national leadership during a media briefing.
He said the NDC expected the council to comprise individuals with integrity, strong principles and a determination to change the country’s development trajectory.
“We want Nigerians to see that the people who will make up our presidential campaign council are individuals of high ethical standards, strong principles and a genuine commitment to changing Nigeria’s story.”
Mac-Eke also expressed concern over the ecological challenges confronting coastal communities in Bayelsa, particularly Sangana, where ocean surges have continued to threaten homes and livelihoods.
He said the affected communities were not asking for too much but needed protection against environmental degradation and access to potable water.
According to him, communities whose resources contribute to sustaining the national economy deserve adequate attention and improved living conditions.
The NDC spokesman also expressed confidence in the party’s candidates for the 2027 elections, describing them as individuals with strong character and verifiable records in public service, business and community development.
He said the party’s presidential candidate, whom he described as a former two-term governor, had no corruption allegation or legal charge against him 12 years after leaving office.
Mac-Eke added that the party’s candidates for the Senate, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly were committed to providing quality representation and sponsoring people-oriented bills after consultations with their constituents.
He urged journalists to engage the party on its candidates and programmes, assuring them of the NDC’s readiness to provide clarifications on its preparations for the 2027 general elections.
