Toba Owojaiye reporting
Abuja, Nigeria
President Bola Tinubu is currently holding a high-level meeting with leaders of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) at the Council Chamber of the State House in Abuja. The meeting, which began at 4:15 p.m. upon the arrival of the President, is focused on addressing key issues affecting the oil-rich Niger Delta region.
Truth Live News reports that PANDEF, established under the leadership of the late elder statesman Chief Edwin Clark, who passed away in February, serves as the main voice for traditional rulers, political leaders, and stakeholders from the coastal states of the Niger Delta. In a solemn moment before deliberations began, President Tinubu requested a minute of silence in honour of Chief Clark.
The PANDEF delegation is attending with a sizable entourage, which includes notable figures such as King Alfred Diete-Spiff, Chairman of the Board of Trustees; Obong Victor Attah, Co-Chairman of the Board; Ambassador Godknows Igali, National Chairman; and former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Seriake Dickson. Also in attendance are Professor Mike Ozekhome, former Cross River Governor Liyel Imoke, former Rivers Deputy Governor Tele Ikuru, and ex-NDDC Managing Director Timi Alaibe.
Other key figures include the Jaja of Opobo, Professor Dandeson Jaja; Senators Ita Enang, Bassey Henshaw, and Andrew Uchendu; former NDDC acting MD Ibim Semenitari; former PDP National Chairman Uche Secondus; HOSTCOM Coordinator Okareme Maikpobi; Niger Delta activist Ann-Kio Briggs; and PANDEF spokesperson Chief Obiwevbi Ominimini.
From the federal government, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo; Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri; and Presidential aides Bayo Onanuga and Sunday Dare are also present.
Beyond immediate developmental challenges, security, environmental concerns, and economic interests, the meeting carries significant political weight ahead of the 2027 presidential elections. The Niger Delta remains a crucial swing region in national politics, given its vast oil wealth and strategic electoral influence. Historically, the region has played a decisive role in presidential elections, with its leaders often negotiating political alignments based on commitments to regional development and resource control.
With PANDEF representing the interests of a bloc that has historically supported the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but has shown flexibility in recent elections, President Tinubu’s engagement signals an early effort to secure goodwill in a region that could be a deciding factor in his re-election bid. The outcome of this meeting may influence future political realignments, as Niger Delta leaders weigh their options ahead of 2027.