The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has declared that it will not endorse President Bola Tinubu or any other presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, reaffirming its commitment to political neutrality.
The position was made public on Tuesday in Abuja following a meeting of stakeholders from the South-South region, where the group reiterated that its role was not to mobilise support for any political party or candidate.
PANDEF National Chairman, Godknows Igali, and Chairman of its Board of Trustees and former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Obong Victor Attah, disclosed the decision while responding to questions from journalists after the meeting.
Igali explained that the organisation would remain independent of partisan political interests and would not direct its members or the wider Niger Delta population to support any particular contender in next year’s election.
Instead, he urged residents of the South-South to assess candidates based on their ability to address the region’s needs and deliver tangible benefits of democracy.
“We are non-partisan. We, therefore, call on the people of the South-South to exercise their civic responsibilities peacefully and vote according to their conscience, choosing candidates at all levels whose programmes, commitments, and demonstrated capacity align with the aspirations of the Niger Delta,” Igali said.
The declaration comes as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with parties and prospective candidates seeking support across the country.
PANDEF’s position places the responsibility for electoral choices on individual voters, urging them to make decisions based on candidates’ policies, track records and commitments to the development of the Niger Delta.
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