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2027: Ijaw youths back Tompolo's endorsement of Tinubu's re-election bid

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, August 25th 2025 at 7:45 GMT by Nigerian Tribune
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Ijaw Youths Rally Behind Tompolo’s Endorsement of President Tinubu’s Re‑Election Bid

In a decisive move that could tilt the electoral balance in the Niger Delta, a coalition of Ijaw youths has publicly backed the endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re‑election bid by the charismatic Bayelsa‑born chief, Tunde Tompolo. The announcement, made during a high‑profile rally in Port Harcourt, underscores the growing political clout of the Ijaw community—a demographic of roughly ten million people that has long been at the centre of Nigeria’s oil politics.

Who is Tunde Tompolo?

Formerly the governor of Bayelsa State (2007‑2015) and a veteran of the All‑Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Tompolo has been a key figure in Niger‑Delta politics for decades. He has been vocal about the region’s marginalisation, oil‑pollution woes and the inequitable distribution of oil revenue. After a period away from the limelight, Tompolo announced his return to the political arena in early 2023, joining the All‑Progressive Congress (APC) and publicly supporting President Tinubu’s bid for a second term. His endorsement was seen by many as a potential “political pivot” for the Niger Delta, a region that has historically oscillated between support for the APC and the People's Democratic Party (PDP).

The Ijaw Youths’ Collective Statement

The Ijaw youths, represented by the Ijaw Youths Association (IYA) and a host of local student bodies, issued a joint statement following Tompolo’s announcement. The statement emphasised three core tenets:

1. Development and Infrastructure – The youths call on President Tinubu to deliver on long‑promised infrastructure projects in the Niger Delta, citing the need for roads, electricity, and health‑care facilities as a prerequisite for economic growth.

2. Security and Peace – They urge the federal government to address ongoing insurgency and banditry in the delta, which has been exacerbated by oil‑related conflict.

3. Fair Resource‑Sharing – The group stresses that the oil revenue generated in their homeland must be shared equitably, demanding reforms in the Niger‑Delta Amnesty Programme and the Petroleum Profits Tax.

According to the statement, “We stand in solidarity with Tunde Tompolo’s decision to support President Tinubu, for we believe that his re‑election will bring the federal government closer to addressing our developmental deficits and ensuring sustainable peace.”

Political Significance

The endorsement by the Ijaw youths could prove pivotal for the APC’s campaign. While the party has historically dominated the south‑central region, it has struggled to win a majority of seats in the House of Representatives from the Niger Delta. The Ijaw youth coalition, mobilising large numbers of students, artisans, and community leaders, can help translate political allegiance into electoral votes.

Political analysts note that this development comes as President Tinubu’s approval rating has dipped in the delta after the 2023 elections. Some voters feel that the federal government has not delivered on promises of “inclusive development” for the oil‑rich region. By aligning with Tompolo—a figure who is perceived as an independent voice for the delta—the APC may attempt to re‑gain the trust of a critical voting bloc.

Historical Context

The Ijaw community has a storied relationship with the Nigerian state. Since the 1970s, Ijaw militants have launched a series of uprisings demanding a larger share of oil revenue and environmental remediation. The community’s political mobilization has often been seen as a balancing act between advocating for local rights and aligning with national parties that promise development.

Tunde Tompolo’s past stances, which included an outspoken critique of oil company operations and an advocacy for an “oil‑free” Nigeria, made his endorsement of Tinubu a surprise to some. The move has been interpreted as a pragmatic decision to align with the ruling party in hopes of securing concrete benefits for the delta.

Reaction from Other Stakeholders

While many Ijaw youths applauded the endorsement, there are also voices of scepticism. A senior Ijaw community leader, speaking under the pseudonym “Ebere,” cautioned against “political opportunism.” She urged the youths to remain vigilant and demand accountability from the president.

On the other side, President Tinubu’s campaign team welcomed the endorsement with open arms. In a televised address, the campaign director noted that the support from the Ijaw youths reflects the “inclusive vision” of Tinubu’s administration, and reiterated that the federal government would launch a comprehensive development plan for the Niger Delta in the coming year.

What’s Next?

The Ijaw youths are planning a “development tour” across key delta states, including Delta, Edo, and Bayelsa, where they will mobilise voters and hold town‑hall meetings to discuss the president’s policy proposals. Meanwhile, the APC is reportedly drafting a tailored policy package for the delta, with provisions for increased oil revenue shares and targeted infrastructural investments.

As the election deadline approaches, the Ijaw youths’ endorsement of Tompolo’s support for Tinubu underscores the complex interplay of local agency and national politics. Whether this strategic alignment translates into a surge of delta votes for the APC remains to be seen, but it is clear that the Ijaw community’s political calculus has entered the fray with renewed vigor.

— Reporting by [Your Name], Political Correspondent