* Says Experience and Grassroots Connection Position Him for Effective Representation

By Divine Perezide

The political contest for the Burutu Constituency-I seat in the Delta State House of Assembly received a fresh boost on Friday as Ambassador Dere Podoki emerged as the candidate of the Action People’s Party (APP) ahead of the 2026 general elections.

Podoki’s emergence was the outcome of a consensus decision reached during the APP congress held at the party’s state secretariat in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

The development officially positions the seasoned community leader and development advocate among the contenders seeking to represent the people of Burutu Constituency-I in the Delta State House of Assembly.

Speaking with journalists shortly after his emergence, Podoki who is from ward-20, expressed confidence in his ability to provide effective and responsive representation for the people, citing his years of service in various community-based and regional organizations.

According to him, his experience in grassroots leadership, community engagement, development, and advocacy has adequately prepared him for the legislative responsibilities associated with the office.

Potoki stated that he is best suited for the position at a time when many constituents are demanding greater accountability, improved representation and accelerated development across communities within the constituency.

He argued that some politicians who had previously enjoyed the trust and mandate of the people failed to meet public expectations, creating the need for a new generation of leadership committed to delivering tangible results.

The APP candidate maintained that his aspiration is driven by a desire to advance the welfare of the people, promote inclusive development and ensure that the interests of Burutu Constituency-I receive adequate attention at the state level.

Political observers say his emergence has added a new dimension to the forthcoming contest, which is expected to attract significant attention in the constituency, across Burutu Local Government Area, and the wider Delta South political landscape.

With the election season gathering momentum, attention is already turning to the battle ahead, where Ambassador Podoki will face other candidates, including the incumbent lawmaker who is seeking a second term mandate to continue representing the constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly.

Analysts believe the race could be one of the most closely watched legislative contests in Delta State, given the growing interest among stakeholders and voters eager to assess the performance records, vision and capacity of the various candidates.

As campaigns gradually begin across the constituency, residents are expected to evaluate the competing candidates on issues relating to infrastructure development, education, youth empowerment, healthcare delivery, economic opportunities and overall community advancement.

The emergence of Ambassador Dere Podoki has therefore further heightened political activities in Burutu Constituency-I, setting the stage for what promises to be a keenly contested electoral battle in the months ahead.

By Favour Bibaikefie

Leaders and stakeholders of the Ijaw and Urhobo ethnic nationalities in Warri North, Warri South and Warri South-West Local Government Areas of Delta State have applauded the efforts of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following the release of the Warri Federal Constituency delineation exercise results.

The commendation was made during a press conference held yesterday at KFT Event Centre in Warri, Delta State, where prominent leaders, community stakeholders, youth representatives and women groups gathered after years of consultations, protests and agitations surrounding the delineation process.

Speaking on behalf of the Ijaw and Urhobo ethnic nationalities, Chief Benjamin Okumagba described the outcome as a courageous and commendable move by INEC towards ensuring fair political representation within the Warri Federal Constituency.

He stated that the Ijaw and Urhobo people appreciate the commission for the successful release of the delineation exercise, noting that the development would promote inclusiveness, equity and political balance across the constituency.

Chief Okumagba further praised INEC for the creation of additional State House of Assembly seats, federal constituency representation, polling units and wards aimed at deepening democratic participation and strengthening governance in the area.

He also called on eligible voters and residents throughout the constituency to actively participate in the forthcoming 2027 general elections, emphasizing that peaceful involvement in the democratic process would help foster unity, stability and sustainable development across the Warri axis.

The event attracted several political figures, traditional stakeholders, youth leaders and women groups from both the Ijaw and Urhobo ethnic nationalities, many of whom expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the delineation exercise and optimism for improved political inclusion in the region.

By Divine Perezide

The Ijaw People’s Development Initiative has condemned what it described as “sponsored and malicious attacks” against Government Ekpemupolo and the newly inaugurated President of the Ijaw National Congress, Macdonald Igbadiwei, warning that such actions could create unnecessary tension within the Ijaw nation.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the President of IPDI, Ozobo Austin, dismissed allegations reportedly made by a group identified as the Niger Delta Reformed Youths, describing the organisation as faceless and non-existent.

According to the group, the allegations were aimed at discrediting the outcome of the recent INC election and causing division among Ijaw stakeholders.

IPDI maintained that there was nothing unlawful or immoral about individuals associated with Tompolo aspiring for leadership positions, stressing that political support among allies was a normal feature of democratic practice.

The group also criticised the handling of concerns surrounding the INC election, alleging that Tompolo had travelled from Oporoza in Delta State to Bayelsa Government House in pursuit of peace and dialogue over issues arising from the poll.

IPDI, however, accused Douye Diri of making what it termed “unfounded pronouncements” regarding the INC leadership contest, urging the governor to exercise restraint and wisdom in addressing issues relating to the socio-cultural body.

Drawing comparisons with past governorship and presidential elections in Nigeria, the group argued that disputes and disagreements were common features of democratic processes and should be resolved through dialogue rather than public confrontation.

On the conduct of the INC election, IPDI insisted that the process complied with the organisation’s constitution and was supervised by the appropriate electoral committee.

“The electronic voting process was free, fair and credible, and reflected the wishes of delegates across Ijaw land,” the statement noted, while cautioning critics against making allegations without evidence.

The group also defended Igbadiwei against claims relating to his past representation of Southern Ijaw Constituency 4 in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, stating that electoral defeat should not be used to diminish his political contributions or integrity.

Addressing issues surrounding traditional institutions in Gbaraun Kingdom, IPDI said chieftaincy disputes remained matters for traditional authorities and relevant government institutions, warning against attempts to politicise such matters through media campaigns.

The organisation called on Ijaw leaders, youths and stakeholders to embrace unity and support the new INC leadership in advancing issues affecting the Niger Delta, including environmental justice, resource control and youth empowerment.

IPDI further pledged to continue engaging stakeholders to promote peace and stability within the Ijaw socio-cultural space.

Macdonald Igbadiwei was formally inaugurated as President of the Ijaw National Congress on May 14, 2026, during a handover ceremony in Warri, Delta State, where outgoing President Benjamin Okaba transferred leadership to the new executive.