The Pan Niger Delta Forum has officially clarified that it has not thrown its weight behind any presidential candidate for the upcoming 2027 general elections. Leadership of the socio-cultural organisation urged eligible voters across the six states of the South-South region to carefully evaluate contenders and cast their ballots based on individual conscience and demonstrated competence.
Speaking after a gathering of traditional rulers, former governors, and regional stakeholders, the National Chairman of PANDEF emphasised that the group maintains a strictly non-partisan stance. He stated that the organisation operates independently of political parties and does not function as a campaign vehicle or support group for any aspirant.
Echoing these remarks, the Chairman of the PANDEF Board of Trustees and former governor reiterated that the forum remains completely neutral. He advised the regional electorate to exercise their civic duties thoughtfully and support candidates who demonstrate a genuine commitment to addressing the unique developmental challenges facing the Niger Delta.
Alongside its electoral stance, the forum renewed its advocacy for fiscal restructuring in Nigeria's oil and gas sector. PANDEF pressed the Federal Government to increase the existing derivation allocation for oil-producing states from the current 13 percent threshold to 50 percent, arguing that a larger share is necessary to combat severe environmental degradation and persistent infrastructure gaps.
The organisation further called for the total abolition of the onshore-offshore dichotomy governing revenue distribution. Leaders argued that communities directly impacted by resource extraction deserve a fairer financial return to support sustainable community development across the region.
Source reporting: Punch — 2026-10-28 06:00:39
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