No Room For Northern Presidential Candidates in 2027, SYNC declares
**Endorses Tinubu, Oborevwori For Second Terms
The Southern Nigerian Youth Congress (SNYC), an umbrella body of youths across the 17 states of Southern Nigeria, has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for a second term as President and Governor respectively.
Members of the Congress made their position known during a solidarity march along major roads in Asaba, before converging in front of Government House where their resolution endorsing President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori was made known to the Governor.
Speaking on behalf of members of the Congress, the President General, Wiska Monday said the endorsement followed their assessment of political developments ahead of the 2027 general elections and the performance of the Tinubu led federal government and the Oborevwori’s administration in Delta State.
Monday said the Southern region would resist any attempt to disrupt the existing principle of rotational presidency, arguing that the South should be allowed to complete its eight-year tenure.
According to him, the endorsement of President Tinubu was not based solely on regional considerations, but also on what he described as key reforms and policies of the present administration, pointing out that the endorsement represented the collective position of its structures across the 17 Southern states and the 342 local government areas in the region.
He cited the removal of fuel subsidy, efforts to strengthen local government financial autonomy, the student loan initiative and ongoing infrastructure development as some of the measures the Congress considered significant.
Monday, however, acknowledged that some of the reforms had imposed short-term economic difficulties on Nigerians but argued that they should also be assessed against their potential long-term impact on the nation’s economy.
On security, the youth body noted that insecurity predated the Tinubu administration, while commending efforts to strengthen the country’s security architecture through changes in security leadership, increased military operational structures and moves towards considering state police.
According to the group, its assessment of the administration and the broader political realities informed its position that the 2027 transition should preserve equity and ensure continued Southern presidency until 2031, maintaining that supporting President Tinubu for a second term would provide a smoother pathway for retaining the presidency in the South.
The Congress also endorsed Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for a second term in Delta State, citing what it described as his “visible development” across the state, even as the group pledged to mobilise its members in support of both President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on behalf of the Governor, the state Director of Protocol, Chief Sunday Onoriode commended the delegates of the Southern Nigerian Youth Congress for what he described as a strong demonstration of support and confidence in the leadership of President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori.
Onoriode said the endorsement showed that Nigerian youths were increasingly recognising the efforts of both leaders in addressing the challenges confronting the country and improving the lives of citizens.
According to him, although the prevailing economic situation remains challenging, the country is gradually moving in the right direction and requires patience, understanding and collective support from citizens.
He expressed confidence that Nigeria would continue to make progress, stressing that the position taken by the youth demonstrated their understanding of the realities facing the country, just as he pledged to convey their message to Governor Oborevwori, who, he said, would in turn communicate the position to President Tinubu.
Chief Onoriode further commended the youths for what he described as their maturity and responsible approach to political participation, adding that the development demonstrated that young Nigerians were no longer willing to be used to manipulate or coerce older generations into taking decisions against their interests.
He also described the endorsement as a call for political equity, arguing that the South had supported leaders from other regions in the past and should now be given the opportunity to retain the presidency.
In an interview with journalists, the Grand Patron of Southern Nigerian Youth Congress and Chairman of Warri South Local Government Council, Hon. Weyinmi Isaac Agbateyiniro, who expressed solidarity with members of the Congress, said Delta State Chapter of the Association Local of Government of Nigeria (ALGON), has endorsed the position of the Youth Congress backing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for a second term in the 2027 general elections.
Delta Commissioner Obiodeh, Onwo Pay Condolence Visit To Veteran Journalist, Christy Ichofu Over Husband’s Death
Delta Commissioner Obiodeh, Onwo Pay Condolence Visit To Veteran Journalist, Christy Ichofu Over Husband’s Death
Chief Goodnews Emamusi Obiodeh, Commissioner for Lands, Surveys and Urban Development, Delta State, and Hon. Ferguson Onwo, member of Delta State House of Assembly, representing Isoko South Constituency II, on Monday 7 September, 2026, paid a condolence visit to veteran journalist Princess (Mrs) Christy Ichofu to offer sympathies following the passing of her husband, Pastor Patrick Ichofu.
Speaking to the bereaved Princess (Mrs) Christy Ichofu, at her son-in-law’s country home in Uzere, Isoko South LGA, Delta State, Chief Obiodeh, and Hon. Onwo commiserated her, urging her to take solace in God. They prayed for divine strength for the family.
They described late Pastor Patrick Ichofu as a peaceful and friendly man who understood the feelings of others and treated people with kindness. The prayed for the repose of his soul.
Since the passing of Pastor Patrick Ichofu, sympathizers from across the state have extended their heartfelt condolences to the Ichofu family, praying that God grants them the strength to bear this irreparable loss.
Ereyitomi Hails Dr. Agbolaya on his elevation as Distinguished Fellow Nigerian Institute of Management
Ereyitomi Hails Dr. Agbolaya on his elevation as Distinguished Fellow Nigerian Institute of Management
By: Celestine Ukah
The Member Representing Warri Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives and Chairman House Committee on Petroleum Resources Training Development Trust Funds, Rt. Hon. Chief Dr. Thomas Ereyitomi JP has felicitated the Special Adviser to Delta State Governor Rt Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori on Community Development, Amb. Dr. Toyin Agbolaya JP on his elevation as Distinguished Grade Fellow Nigerian Institute of Management, FNIM
RT. Hon Ereyitomi praised Dr. Agbolaya’s pragmatic approach and role in leadership especially at the grassroot angle Where’s currently serving as the Special Adviser to the Delta State Governor, saying it’s such a nice and well deserve honour bestowed on Dr. Agbolaya.
The award which is slated for Thursday September 17 is to formally confer on Amb. Dr. Agbolaya a Distinguished Grade of Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management, NIM was reflected as a Moment of Distinction in his recognition in leadership.
The event will also serve as celebrating Excellence in Leadership, Management & Service.
The Fellowship FNIM is the highest professional recognition and membership cadre awarded by the Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered). Recipients are qualified to use the post-nominal title, FNIM.
Cbm, TAF Africa, D-RAPID Project Organise Town Hall For PWDs, Demand More Inclusion In Governance, Free Medicare
Cbm, TAF Africa, D-RAPID Project Organise Town Hall For PWDs, Demand More Inclusion In Governance, Free Medicare
By: Ella Akpa
Warri: The Christian Blind Mission, Cbm, TAF Africa, and the Disability Rights Advocacy Project for Inclusive Development, D-RAPID, have organised a town hall meeting with Persons With Disabilities, PWDs, in Warri South LGA, Delta State.
The meeting, organised by the NGOs, is aimed at building the capacity of PWDs to demand greater inclusion in governance, access to free Medicare, and other rights.
Speaking at the town hall meeting on Monday, September 8, Mr. Innocent Onyema Alonu, Cbm Resource Person, urged PWDs to work together in unity to succeed.
He urged them to advocate for the inclusion of their members in governance through appointive and elective offices. He cited, Article 9, of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on non-discrimination, and Article 8 on awareness raising.
Mr. Alonu noted that Plateau State has achieved the appointment of Special Advisers to LGA Chairmen on PWDs, and called for the same to be replicated in Delta State.
He added that the Delta State Disability Law has addressed many concerns of PWDs, and that they have also succeeded in enrolling PWDs to access free healthcare.
Dr. Andrew Adaji, Programme Manager, TAF Africa, demanded that 5% of all empowerment and employment opportunities at the LGA level be reserved for PWDs.
He said TAF Africa is a Disability Inclusion Champion that has consistently advocated for the rights of PWDs across the country, and commended the European Union, EU for its consistent support.
The Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Massimo De Luca, advised PWDs to focus on their health as the country approaches the 2027 elections. He noted that there is more than a year and six months left in the current administration.
Mr. De Luca assured PWDs of the EU’s continued support and further engagement with government to improve their welfare.
Also speaking, Mr. Okai Mohammed Siaka, Programme Coordinator, Cbm, enlightened participants on their rights and strategies for survival in the current economic realities.
The Chairman of PWDs in Warri South, Comrade Fatai Onifade, expressed satisfaction with the programme. He commended Cbm, TAF Africa, EU, and other partners for the training, which he said has equipped them to demand better support from government.
Comrade Fatai also commended the Delta State Government for its provisions for PWDs. He appealed for the establishment of a Delta State Commission for Persons With Disabilities, with members appointed from the PWD community. He also requested the provision of access facilities in banks, as well as hearing aids and walking aids for the blind.
The Representative of the Chairman of Warri South LGA, Hon. Weyinmi Agbateyiniro, and the Supervisor for Human Capital Development, Mrs. Misan Eke, assured PWDs of more government support and inclusion.
Community representatives and other stakeholders were also present during the town hall engagement.
Riverine Infrastructure: Oborevwori’s Road Revolution Transforms Gbaramatu- Clark, Commends completion of projects
Riverine Infrastructure: Oborevwori’s Road Revolution Transforms Gbaramatu- Clark, Commends completion of projects
Delta State Commissioner for the Directorate of Riverine Infrastructure Development, Chief Ebikeme Clark, has commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for transforming the infrastructure landscape of Gbaramatu Kingdom with the completion of internal road projects in Kantu and Ijaghala communities.
Clark gave the commendation during a final inspection of the projects, which include concrete rigid pavement roads and side drains, executed by an indigenous contractor, Ponkebi Nigeria Limited, in Warri South-West Local Government Area.
The Commissioner described the projects as a major breakthrough for the riverine communities, noting that residents had, over the years, endured the absence of internal road infrastructure.
He said the intervention would improve accessibility, ease the movement of people and goods, tackle some of the environmental challenges confronting the communities and create opportunities for increased economic activities.
“Historically, these communities have never enjoyed internal roads. What we are witnessing today is a major transformation and a clear demonstration of the Governor’s commitment to bringing development to the riverine areas,” Clark said.
He noted that Ijaw and Itsekiri communities in the area had co-existed peacefully for centuries, expressing optimism that the new infrastructure would further strengthen the bonds between the people and promote socio-economic development.
Clark also commended the communities for their appreciation of the projects, assuring them that the state government would continue to address the peculiar infrastructural challenges of riverine communities.
“I must sincerely thank our amiable Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, for his interest in the development of riverine communities across Delta State.
“This is not just about roads; it is about connecting our people, opening up opportunities and ensuring that no community is left behind in the development of the state,” he said.
The Commissioner said the projects formed part of the administration’s broader commitment to extending development to communities across the state, particularly those facing difficult riverine terrain.
Meanwhile, residents of Kantu and Ijaghala communities expressed appreciation to Governor Oborevwori for approving and completing the projects.
Those who spoke included Chief Arthur Iyagu, Ibibio Ezekiel, Elder Samson Menekoko, Woman Leader of Ijaghala Community, Mrs Renieri Grace, Mr Okoturu Edwin and Toju Ebitor.
They described the roads as “life-changing”, saying the projects had not only improved the physical appearance of the communities but had also addressed longstanding challenges of flooding, erosion and poor accessibility.
According to the residents, the absence of internal roads had for many years restricted movement within the communities and made transportation to neighbouring settlements difficult.
The community leaders pledged their continued support for the Oborevwori administration, saying the completed projects had enabled residents to experience the impact of government at the grassroots.
Execute Long-abandoned Model Secondary School Project In Agudama-Epie, Community Appeals To Gov. Diri
Execute Long-abandoned Model Secondary School Project In Agudama-Epie, Community Appeals To Gov. Diri
By: Our Correspondent
Yenagoa: The people of Agudama-Epie Community in Yenagoa LGA, Bayelsa State, have appealed to *Governor Senator Douye Diri* to complete the long-abandoned Model Secondary School project in their area.
According to the community, the project was initiated in 2007 by former Governor, *Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan*. Successive administrations also played vital roles, but the project was never completed.
The Commissioner for Education, *Hon. Gentle Emelah*, said the school is a state government-funded community project. He noted that some challenges led to work on the project being stopped.
_”The project is known to government,”_ Hon. Emelah stated. _”It is a community secondary school, and due to some issues the project was abandoned. But government will look into it within a short time and very soon we will mobilize the relevant contractor back to site.”_
The Women Leader of Agudama-Epie, *Mrs. Loveth Ogon*, also appealed to the state government and Governor Diri to intervene and ensure the completion of the school.
She said completing the Model Secondary School would give children in Agudama-Epie and neighboring communities access to quality education without traveling long distances.
Also speaking, the former Youth President of Agudama-Epie Community, *Comrade Monovie France*, appealed to the state government led by the “miracle Governor” *Sen. Douye Diri* to execute the project.
He added that completing the school would enable pupils in the area to access education easily.
Community stakeholders expressed hope that the present administration will prioritize the project and bring relief to the people.
NIGERIA FOOTBALL REFORM: THREE-MONTH TRANSITION IS PERFECT TIMELINE
NIGERIA FOOTBALL REFORM: THREE-MONTH TRANSITION IS PERFECT TIMELINE
The Arise TV interview granted by Mallam Shehu Dikko on 4th September 2026 stands as the official statement from the National Sports Commission on the way forward, in the absence of a formal press statement outlining the shape, complexion, and pathway the reform would take.
What caught our Advocacy’s attention, as well as that of many other stakeholders, is the timeline of the transition and the figures mentioned as received by the two previous NFF Boards (2014–2022 and 2022–2026).
In that part of the interview that has to do with the timeline, the Chairman painted a picture of a complex, unwieldy, and vague transition ranging from three to six months, and possibly up to a year.
No doubt, the National Sports Commission must be commended on the way and manner it peacefully eased the Ibrahim Gusau-led board out of office. It was a masterclass strategy. The NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau, and his team must also be commended for listening to the voice of reason and voluntarily relinquishing office.
Moving forward, Nigerian football stakeholders already know what the issues with Nigerian football are: the composition of the Congress, the Executive Board, the standing committees, opening up the Congress to other relevant groups, including the private sector, and correcting the imbalance in voting rights.
These anomalies cannot take more than three months to address. This includes determining whether we have to revisit the NFA Act 2004, review the NFF Statutes, or register the Association as an NGO with the Corporate Affairs Commission.
This transition must also give adequate room for the participation of the Footballers’ Bloc, which has been at the forefront of the agitation for this change for over two decades. The policy of divide and rule against the Footballers’ Bloc must end with this new dawn.
The entire transition process, with due respect, is not a long and complicated process as presented by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission.
We must also take note of the upcoming national elections calendar as presented by INEC, so as not to be caught in the web of the national elections. In Nigeria, government is the biggest funder of football, and it always takes time for a new government to settle down after elections.
The NFF elections can be peacefully conducted in early January 2027. A three-month transition timeline is sufficient to get our acts together.
Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, GCFR, originally embarked on a nine-month transition to civilian administration after the sudden death of former Head of State, General Sani Abacha. The transition eventually stretched to eleven months for the entire nation.
What reform do we really need in our football that should exceed three months?
While we expect more information on the transition process, we look forward to a transparent and democratic process.
We also disagree with the figures presented by Mallam Shehu Dikko that the money received by the Ibrahim Gusau-led board was five times more than what the failed former NFF President’s board (2014–2022) received.
This issue will be formally addressed in our next release.
Prince Harrison Jalla
Chairman
Advocacy for Nigeria Football Reform Initiative
STRANGE BEDFELLOWS MERGER
STRANGE BEDFELLOWS MERGER
By Anthony Obire Writing From Warri
The Obi-Kwankwaso alliance is failing now, not in some remote future. Now it is falling apart, in public, in real time, and the loudest protests are coming from the backers of the two men themselves.
Whatever new banner the merger flies under, it has already run into the wall every serious observer predicted it would. Obi’s “Obidient” movement has disowned it. Kwankwaso’s northern base has scorned it. The movement that was supposed to create the merged machine is now fighting over who gets to drive it, with factions already split over a director-general.
The alliance is fighting over its nameplate before any campaign literature has been printed. That’s not coalition.” That is a committee that cannot agree on who has the gavel.
APC former party chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, has not cared to be polite about it. His judgment that the 2027 NDC bid is dead on arrival is not only self-serving, it is testable. And the early signs are good for that position.
Think about what the rejections are actually saying. Obi’s base, urban, southern, and notoriously hostile to what they call “recycled politicians,” are being asked to coalesce with Kwankwaso, a figure their own movement spent 2023 describing in precisely those terms. Meanwhile, Kwankwaso’s supporters are being asked to subordinate a northern engine to a southern candidate.
The two camps are not natural partners; they are natural rivals who have a brief shared enemy. And the common enemy they have, Tinubu, is exactly what keeps them in the same room and that is why the room keeps growing lean.
That is the real story of the alliance. It’s not being rejected because it’s too bold an idea. It is being rejected because the people that it pretends to command never wanted it in the first place. A coalition that can’t convince its own followers isn’t a coalition, it’s a negotiation between two disappointed men and the ghosts of their old bases.
The arithmetic is on Tinubu’s side. The opposition was divided in 2023, resulting in a plurality win. By 2026 the divided opposition, now openly feuding, is something worse: it has produced a coalition so tangled in its own internal rejections that it cannot hardly provide leadership within its ranks, a tangible ticket or a message
. The incumbent’s best asset in 2027 isn’t the record itself. It is the spectacle of the alternative arguing with itself before the campaign has even started.
Let the strange bedfellows continue to meet.
Their supporter’s continued refusal to play the merger game is a free advertisement for the incumbent’s case. Nigerians are not being asked to choose between Tinubu and a united opposition. They’re being shown day by day that the opposition cannot even unite with itself.
That is the debate that Tinubu walks into as the favorite. Not because his challengers are weak men, but because their alliance is a weak thing, spurned by its own base, jeered at by its foes, incapable of answering the only question that counts: if you cannot agree on who leads you, why should Nigeria agree to be led by you at all?
Delta Online Publishers Forum, DOPF Celebrates Aniagwu on His Bornday, Commends His Media friendly personality
