2027: Riverine Farmers, Fishermen Promise Block Votes For Tinubu, Oborevwori As They Demand Justice From SEEPCO

Over 300 farmers, fishermen and youth leaders from riverine communities in Delta and Bayelsa States have resolved to mobilize massively and deliver block votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori in the 2027 general elections.

The resolution was reached at a crucial meeting of the Delta-Bayelsa Riverine Farmers & Fishermen Association (DBRFFA) held on Monday, November 2, 2026, at Bomadi Town, headquarters of Bomadi Local Government Area, Delta State.

The meeting, presided over by the National Chairman of the association, Comr. Timbor Elijah Felix, brought together members from across the riverine communities to deliberate on issues affecting their livelihood, welfare and political participation.

Speaking at the meeting, Comr. Ekirika Oweilami appealed to President Tinubu, the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Governors of Delta and Bayelsa States, and the Chairmen of Bomadi, Burutu, Patani, Ughelli South and Sagbama Local Government Areas to urgently intervene and call Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Company Ltd (SEEPCO) to order.

"We are calling on Mr. President, the National Assembly and our Governors to urgently call SEEPCO to order. Their 24-hour night sailing on our waterways is destroying our fishing nets and traps, scaring our fishes away, polluting our water and threatening our lives," Oweilami said.

He added that the association is demanding compensation for damages suffered from 2011 till date, noting that over 7,000 riverine farmers and fishermen who depend on the water for their daily survival are being affected.

"We have suffered in silence for years. Our nets are destroyed, our fishes have relocated, and our water is polluted. We deserve justice and compensation," he lamented.

Also speaking, Mr. Phillip Oyaro, who addressed members in Urhobo language, and Mrs. Monica Taya, who spoke in Ijaw language, both stressed the need for unity, peaceful participation in the forthcoming elections and improved welfare for members.

In his remarks, the National Chairman, Comr. Timbor Elijah Felix, assured members of the association's readiness to pursue the matter through dialogue and peaceful engagement with relevant authorities.

"We will continue to pursue this matter through dialogue and peaceful engagement. Our aim is to ensure sustainable development and safety for all riverine communities," Felix stated.

He further charged members to remain united and committed to the association's political direction ahead of the 2027 elections, pledging the association's partnership and support for the re-election bid of President Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.