2027: ONC’s Endorsement Is A Call To Greater Responsibility – Says NDC Candidate, Dumo Lulu-Briggs 

The 2027 Governorship Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, in Rivers State, Opuda Alabo Dumo Lulu-Briggs, has accepted the endorsement of the Orashi National Congress, ONC, for his bid to govern the state.

The endorsement was made by the notable Niger Delta socio-cultural group during its Special Convention at Erema, with emphasis on equity, inclusion, and the opportunity for Rivers West Senatorial District to produce the next governor.

Reacting to the endorsement, Alabo Lulu-Briggs said he received the decision “with profound humility and gratitude”.

“I do not receive this endorsement merely as a political advantage. I receive it as a call to greater responsibility,” he stated.

“The Orashi National Congress met at Erema at a particularly important moment in the life of our State. After reflecting on the security, development and political circumstances of Rivers State, the Congress made a clear statement in favour of equity, inclusion and the opportunity for the Rivers West Senatorial District to produce the next Governor of our dear State.”

“I am deeply honoured that, in making that statement, the Congress chose to place its confidence in me.”

The NDC candidate said the endorsement reflects a shift in political consciousness, where citizens are asking deeper questions about leadership.

“What kind of Governor do we need? What kind of State do we want to build? Can politics once again become a vehicle for service rather than a contest for control? Can our people participate in choosing their leaders without fear, intimidation or the feeling that decisions have already been made for them? I believe the answer to these questions must always be yes,” he said.

Lulu-Briggs noted that Nigeria is entering another important political season marked by new alliances, conversations around godfatherism, political patronage, monetisation, and the role of ordinary citizens in democracy.

“The Nigerian people are becoming more conscious of their power. The so-called underdog is no longer necessarily without strength. Sometimes, the strength of an underdog is simply the people,” he added.

He described the ONC endorsement not as a declaration of war, but as a declaration of hope and political equity.

“It is a declaration that every Senatorial District, every Local Government, every community and every citizen deserves to feel that Rivers State belongs to them. And it is a declaration that the people must never lose their right to determine their political future.”

Alabo Lulu-Briggs stressed that Rivers State is greater than any individual, political party, or structure, and called for leadership that unites the state and opens opportunities for young people, farmers, entrepreneurs, and communities.

“What we need is leadership that can bring us together again. Leadership that can secure our communities, strengthen our local economies, improve healthcare and education, and create an environment in which every Rivers person can believe that his or her future is possible here. That is the Rivers State I believe we can build,” he said.

He commended ONC for reaching its decision based on equity, balance and inclusion rather than as an attack on other interests.

“We can disagree without becoming enemies. We can compete without destroying one another. We can seek political office without mobilising our young people for violence. We can pursue victory while respecting democracy. And when the people have spoken, we must have the courage to respect their decision,” he said.

“Let us go to the field when the time comes. Let ideas compete. Let competence compete. Let character compete. Let vision compete. And, ultimately, let the people decide.”

Alabo Lulu-Briggs thanked the people of Orashi, traditional rulers, community leaders, women, youths, political stakeholders and delegates who participated in the convention.

“The endorsement of Orashi is therefore, not the end of anything. It is another responsibility. Another reminder. Another voice saying that the people are watching, the people are thinking, and the people are ready to have a say. For that, I am grateful.”

“I remain committed to a peaceful, united, prosperous and equitable Rivers State,” he concluded.