A socio-political group, the South South Reawakening Group (SSRG), has firmly rejected the emergence of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Bayelsa State, declaring that the party lacks the political, ideological, and structural capacity to thrive in the state and across the Niger Delta.
Convener of the group, Joseph Ambakederimo, made the position known in a statement issued on Thursday, describing the NDC as a “gimmick” designed to serve the ambition of a single individual rather than the collective interest of the Ijaw people.
Ambakederimo said the group had carefully listened to the party’s media engagements but remained convinced that it does not represent a credible platform for political advancement in the region. According to him, portraying the NDC as a vehicle for Ijaw emancipation and democratic development is misleading and unacceptable.
“There is simply no space—political, ideological, or structural—for the Nigeria Democratic Congress in Bayelsa State or anywhere in the Niger Delta,” he said. “To present it as a party for the Ijaw people is nothing short of a fallacy and an insult to the sensibilities of our ethnic nationality.”
The SSRG leader further argued that the current political climate in Nigeria does not favour the success of smaller or minority parties, warning that aligning with such platforms could set the region back politically.
He particularly cautioned residents of Bayelsa West Senatorial District against associating with the NDC, alleging that the area is being specifically targeted for support recruitment. He maintained that the people of the district are politically aware and should not be misled by what he described as “cheap propaganda.”
Ambakederimo also asserted that no credible politician in the state would associate with the NDC, emphasizing that Bayelsans must remain focused on strategies that ensure relevance at the national level.
He urged citizens to embrace mainstream political platforms, stressing that meaningful development and access to national resources can only be achieved through participation at the center of power.
“This is the era of mainstream politics. We must align with the majority to secure our place where key national decisions are made,” he stated.
The SSRG, he added, would continue its sensitization campaign across Bayelsa State to educate citizens on what it described as the dangers of supporting fringe political movements.
Ambakederimo called on all Bayelsans to join the group’s “reawakening” drive to safeguard the political future of the state and the wider Niger Delta region.