…Withdraws support for Obi, Labour Party
A grassroots political group in Rivers State, the Enforcers of Good Governance, has officially declared its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, citing his bold leadership and economic reforms as key reasons for their endorsement.
The group, which claims to have structures across all 319 electoral wards in Rivers State, also announced that it has severed ties with the Labour Party and its 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.
The group had supported Obi during the last general election but now says the direction of the country under Tinubu’s leadership has renewed their confidence in his ability to deliver lasting change.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Saturday, the group’s Convener and National Leader, Dr. Kingsley Ogu, explained that the decision to back Tinubu’s second-term ambition stemmed from what he described as visible progress in Nigeria’s socioeconomic landscape.
Ogu said the Enforcers’ decision was beyond a political endorsement, stressing, “It’s about sustaining the momentum of reform-driven leadership that is willing to make difficult but necessary decisions for the good of the country.”
According to him, the group made up of concerned citizens and advocates of responsible governance, was motivated by the transformational steps taken by the Tinubu administration since it assumed office.
“The Enforcers of Good Governance backed Mr. Peter Obi in 2023 because we believed he could offer change.
“But today, we have seen that President Tinubu has the courage, clarity, and commitment to take Nigeria forward. That’s why we are aligning ourselves with his vision,” he said
Ogu pointed to specific policy achievements to justify the group’s pivot while highlighting increased crude oil output, a renewed push for resolution in the Ogoni oil crisis, and the settlement of longstanding foreign debt obligations as signs of sound leadership.
“These are not coincidental developments, they reflect a leader who is focused, deliberate, and strategic,” he added.
He further praised President Tinubu’s reforms in the oil and gas sector, citing the Executive Order that facilitated the activation of key energy infrastructure projects, including the AHL and ANOH Gas Processing Plants and the 23.3km OB3 metering pipeline. The same policy framework, he added, has paved the way for renewed drilling activities in OML 58 and the launch of a solar project in the Niger Delta.
He said: “These are transformative steps that signal a new era in Nigeria’s energy sector. We’ve seen a decade of stagnation in investment. But with this kind of leadership, the sector is bouncing back.”
Of particular significance, he noted, is the resumption of oil drilling in Ogoni land, a region long marked by environmental disputes and economic neglect.
“If you understand the symbolic and economic weight of this move, then you’ll appreciate the significance of what this administration is achieving,” he added.
Ogu described Tinubu’s reform agenda as daring but necessary, admitting that while many of the policies have been tough on citizens in the short term, they are laying a foundation for long-term economic stability.
Noting that real reform is never easy,” he said, “There’s always pain before gain. But the early signs of economic recovery are evident, and we’re taking that message to the people.”
Commenting on the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, Ogu acknowledged the difficulty of the decision but said the group believes it was taken in the best interest of long-term peace and security.
“We trust the President’s judgment. He’s a seasoned leader and we’re confident that he acted to safeguard the stability of our state,” he said.
The group also praised Governor Siminalayi Fubara for recent reconciliation efforts, particularly his outreach to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike.
Encouraging the governor to expand the peace process to include other political actors, including the State House of Assembly, he said, “Peace cannot be achieved in isolation, we urge the governor to build a broader consensus to ensure the emergency is not prolonged.
“The people of Rivers deserve stability, not endless political strife.”
Ogu also emphasized the importance of equitable leadership rotation in Nigeria’s democracy, stating that the South, having produced the current president, should be allowed to complete its two terms.
“We respect political diversity, but we also believe in balance and fairness. The South should be allowed to complete its turn, and President Tinubu remains the most credible candidate to lead that charge,” Ogu asserted.
Looking ahead, Ogu revealed that the Enforcers of Good Governance will soon launch a comprehensive sensitization campaign across Rivers State to mobilize support for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
“Our message to the grassroots is simple: support continuity, support competence, support President Tinubu for a stronger, more stable Nigeria,” he said.
