The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government of marginalising Bayelsa State, citing concerns over the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project and the reported exclusion of the state from President Bola Tinubu’s campaign itinerary.
The party said Bayelsa’s contribution to the nation’s oil revenue should attract commensurate federal investment in infrastructure and other development projects.
The NDC made its position known during a media parley organised by its Bayelsa State Publicity Secretary, Prince Mac-Eke, at the party’s state secretariat in Biogbolo, Yenagoa.
Speaking at the event, Mac-Eke said the party had adopted a different campaign strategy ahead of the 2027 general elections, focusing on direct engagement with voters, grassroots mobilisation and public communication rather than relying exclusively on large political rallies.
He explained that the NDC, as an opposition party, was pursuing a campaign approach that encouraged candidates to interact directly with citizens and understand their concerns.
According to him, the party’s candidates were already engaging voters across senatorial districts, federal constituencies and state constituencies, while plans were underway for more visible campaign activities.
Mac-Eke also said the party’s national leadership had indicated that its presidential campaign council would be inaugurated on October 21.
On the controversy surrounding the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the NDC spokesperson insisted that Bayelsa and other coastal communities should not be disadvantaged by any proposed realignment of the original route.
He argued that the coastal highway and the East-West Road were separate infrastructure projects that should be pursued independently rather than treated as alternatives.
Mac-Eke maintained that Bayelsa, as an oil-producing state, deserved adequate federal investment in infrastructure, adding that the state’s contribution to the national economy should be reflected in development projects that directly benefit its people.
He questioned what he described as the unequal treatment of oil-producing communities, arguing that while the country continued to benefit from resources extracted from the Niger Delta, concerns over the cost of infrastructure development often arose when projects were intended to benefit the region.
The NDC spokesperson also criticised what he described as the silence of the Bayelsa State Government on issues affecting the state’s interests, including the coastal highway and proposed seaport developments.
He called on the state government to speak more forcefully on federal projects affecting Bayelsa, insisting that the state deserved a fair share of national development.
The party also faulted the reported exclusion of Bayelsa from President Tinubu’s campaign itinerary, describing it as a missed economic opportunity for residents.
According to Mac-Eke, a presidential campaign visit would have generated business for hotel operators, transporters, petrol station owners, food vendors and other small-scale entrepreneurs.
He argued that such visits could stimulate economic activity, even if temporarily, and questioned why Bayelsa should be left out despite its strategic importance to the nation’s oil industry.
Turning to the economy, Mac-Eke criticised the Federal Government’s reliance on palliatives to cushion the effects of rising living costs, saying Nigerians needed sustainable policies that would improve their standard of living.
He called for greater investment in agriculture, education and healthcare, as well as policies capable of creating jobs and improving household incomes.
According to him, economic growth figures would have limited meaning if millions of Nigerians continued to struggle with poverty and the rising cost of essential goods and services.
He also raised concerns about alleged vote-buying practices, urging voters to reject electoral inducements and assess candidates based on their records, credibility and policy proposals.
On concerns about the experience of some of the party’s candidates, Mac-Eke argued that professional achievements, integrity, leadership capacity and a record of service should count alongside legislative experience.
He cited the business and public-service backgrounds of some of the NDC’s senatorial candidates, including High Chief Ruben Okoye, whom he described as an accomplished businessman with experience in construction and public administration.
He also highlighted the professional background of the party’s candidate for Bayelsa East, arguing that expertise acquired outside the legislature could contribute positively to lawmaking and effective representation.
Mac-Eke said the party had resolved disagreements arising from its primaries and was working towards a united campaign across Bayelsa State.
The NDC also defended its national leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, amid questions about his senatorial ambition in Bayelsa West.
Responding to concerns about zoning and political rotation, Mac-Eke said zoning was not a determining factor under the party’s constitution, adding that the NDC would prioritise competence and the ability to deliver effective representation.
He described Dickson as an experienced politician whose career included service as a police officer, lawyer, attorney-general, legislator and governor of Bayelsa State.
The spokesperson also rejected criticism of the senator’s performance, citing what he described as educational support, human-capital development initiatives and medical outreaches in the district.
He urged critics to focus on candidates’ records and proposed policies rather than what he characterised as political propaganda.
The NDC said it had fielded candidates for various elective positions in Bayelsa State, including the Senate, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly.
Mac-Eke described the candidates as individuals with professional experience, business backgrounds and a commitment to community development.
He said the party wanted legislators who would consult their constituents, identify their needs and sponsor laws capable of improving security, welfare and development.
The publicity secretary called on journalists to scrutinise the party’s candidates and policies, describing the media as an important partner in informing citizens and shaping public debate.
The NDC reiterated its commitment to grassroots mobilisation and service-oriented governance as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.