The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) says President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government has marginalised Bayelsa State.
HE explained that that concerns over the realignment of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project and the exclusion of the state from the President’s campaign itinerary reflect a lack of attention to the people of the state.
The party said Bayelsa, as a major contributor to Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, deserved equitable treatment in federal infrastructure development and political engagement.
The Bayelsa State Publicity Secretary of the NDC, Prince Mac-Eke, made the allegations while speaking with journalists at the party’s secretariat in Biobolo, Yenagoa.
Mac-Eke described Bayelsa as a strategic state in Nigeria’s economic development, arguing that its contribution to the national economy should be matched with infrastructure projects and other developmental benefits.
He said the concern over the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project is a pointer to how high the state is regarded.
He said, “One of the issues raising concern among the people of the state the concern over the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, The Federal Government has failed to give Bayelsa the attention it deserved.
He also faulted the exclusion of Bayelsa from Tinubu’s campaign itinerary ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing it as another indication of the administration’s alleged disregard for the state.
“To us in the NDC, we are happy he is not campaigning in the state because it gives us ample time to tell our supporters the reasons they should vote for our candidates, who are more credible, qualified, transparent and devoted to fighting corruption,” Mac-Eke said.
The NDC spokesman expressed confidence that the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, would attract considerable support in Bayelsa, adding that the party had developed grassroots structures to mobilise voters ahead of the polls.
Mac-Eke urged voters to reject vote-buying and assess candidates based on their credibility, track records, competence and policy proposals.
He maintained that the NDC was determined to use grassroots mobilisation and direct communication to persuade Bayelsa voters to support its candidates in the 2027 general elections.