Convener of the South-South Reawakening Group (SSRG), Joseph Ambakederimo, has launched a strong criticism of the newly formed Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), describing it as a political project that will struggle to gain relevance in Bayelsa State and the wider South-South region.
Speaking during a press conference in Yenagoa, Ambakederimo said the formation of the party appeared to be driven by personal political ambitions rather than the broader interests of the people.
He argued that the South-South region has historically been marginalized in national politics and must begin to take a more assertive role in shaping political and economic decisions in Nigeria.
According to him, the creation of the South-South Reawakening Group was intended to awaken political consciousness among the people of the region and encourage them to move from the margins to the center of national political engagement.
“We are short of wealth creation in this region, and our people must be galvanized to play a central role instead of the fringe role we have continued to play in this country,” he said.
Ambakederimo noted that since Nigeria’s independence in 1960, political dominance has largely been controlled by the northern region and the South-West, with the South-East playing a moderate role, while the South-South has remained less influential.
He said his group had largely worked behind the scenes to mobilize and encourage political participation, describing the role as demanding but critical for long-term political development in the region.
Ambakederimo also announced that he intends to become more visible in political engagements, particularly in Bayelsa State.
Though he currently resides in Warri, Delta State, he said he is originally from Agbere in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State and plans to concentrate his media engagements in Yenagoa going forward.
“I come from Bayelsa. My parents are from Agbere where I had my secondary education. Most of my political engagements have been in Warri because I live there, but going forward my media engagements will be done in Yenagoa,” he said.
He added that political mobilization must begin at the grassroots and that he may eventually host media engagements in his hometown.
Turning to the Nigerian Democratic Congress, Ambakederimo described its formation as “a mission impossible,” alleging that it was born out of political disagreements and personal interests.
He specifically linked the development to the political contest for the Bayelsa West Senatorial District seat.
“For those who may not understand what is at stake, what is really at stake is the Bayelsa West Senatorial seat and nothing more,” he said.
According to him, the district has historically operated an informal power-sharing arrangement between Sagbama and Ekeremor Local Government Areas.
Under the understanding, when one local government produces the senator, the other produces the member of the House of Representatives.
Ambakederimo said it would be unfair for any political actor who had previously benefited from such an arrangement to disrupt it.
“We have an unwritten agreement in Bayelsa West between Sagbama and Ekeremor. When one produces the senator, the other produces the House of Representatives member,” he explained.
“You cannot benefit from such an arrangement and later attempt to destroy it.”
He further argued that the NDC would struggle to gain traction in Bayelsa because it lacks a clear ideological foundation and could instead create unnecessary political tension.
“The NDC is dead on arrival in Bayelsa State and even across the larger South-South region,” he said.
Ambakederimo warned that the emergence of smaller, fringe political parties at this stage could disrupt governance and create political instability in the state.
According to him, political leaders should focus on strengthening existing political structures rather than creating new platforms that may divide the people.
He also called on elder statesmen and political leaders in Bayelsa to intervene and prevent actions that could threaten the peace currently enjoyed in the state.
While acknowledging the political stature of former governor and senator Henry Seriake Dickson, Ambakederimo urged him to support the administration of Governor Douye Diri.
He said Dickson should take pride in the governor’s performance, noting that he played a role in Diri’s emergence as governor.
“Senator Dickson should be proud of the performance of Governor Douye Diri and support him. He brought him into office and should stand by him,” Ambakederimo said.
During the interactive session with journalists, Ambakederimo also expressed concern about the recurring recycling of political leaders in Nigeria.
He said the NDC could have offered a fresh direction if it had promoted younger political figures instead of established politicians seeking to return to power.
“If the NDC had presented a younger candidate for national leadership, many people would have supported them. That would have shown that something different was being attempted,” he said.
“But what we are seeing again is the same recycling of the same political actors.”
Ambakederimo also questioned the narrative surrounding the former governor’s alleged interest in returning to the Senate.
According to him, Dickson has not publicly declared such an ambition despite ongoing political speculation.
“He has not called the press to say he wants to go to the Senate,” he said.
“If he truly intends to contest, he should come out openly and say so, and then the people can debate it.”
He added that politics should be conducted with transparency and accountability, stressing that political leaders must be ready to answer questions about their actions and decisions.
Ambakederimo said the South-South Reawakening Group would continue to advocate fairness, accountability, and greater political participation for the region in national governance.
He maintained that the South-South must become more strategic in national politics if it hopes to secure greater opportunities and influence for its people.
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