Orashi National Congress Throws Weight Behind Lulu-Briggs for Rivers 2027 Governorship

The Orashi National Congress (ONC) has officially declared its support for High Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs, the candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), in anticipation of the 2027 Rivers State gubernatorial election. The group characterized this endorsement as a significant declaration regarding political fairness and the collective aspirations of the region's populace.

This resolution to back Lulu-Briggs was reached during a Special Convention held by the Congress in Erema, located within the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State. The decision followed extensive discussions concerning the various political, developmental, and security challenges currently facing the Orashi Region and the state at large.

According to a statement released by Nia’Bari Fakae, the Special Adviser on Media to Lulu-Briggs, this endorsement transcends a mere political formality. Fakae highlighted that it signifies an increasing desire among communities to have a meaningful say in determining the state's leadership.

Fakae further elaborated that the ONC's decision is fundamentally rooted in the principle of political equity, driven by the conviction that the Rivers West Senatorial District should be given the chance to produce the next governor of Rivers State. However, he stressed that the importance of this endorsement extends beyond just senatorial rotation. "It speaks to a growing democratic instinct in Nigeria: the desire of citizens and communities to have a meaningful voice in determining who leads them," the statement quoted.

Fakae also noted the endorsement's particular relevance, given the escalating discussions around internal party democracy, the influence of money in politics, godfatherism, and the power of established political structures as the 2027 elections approach. He asserted that the Orashi region's choice demonstrates that communities possess the autonomy to make political decisions based on their own hopes and evaluations of potential leaders.

The statement emphasized Lulu-Briggs' consistent promotion of equity, unity, and development across Rivers State. It also mentioned his advocacy for an end to political conflicts that could divert the state's attention from addressing crucial developmental issues.

Fakae also brought up a recent legal development concerning the NDC candidate, pointing out that a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt had, in July, dismissed a lawsuit challenging Lulu-Briggs' emergence as the party’s governorship candidate after the plaintiff voluntarily withdrew the case. Crucially, he added, Lulu-Briggs has consistently framed his political ambitions around prioritizing the people and allowing them to make their own choices.

The media aide therefore suggested that the ONC endorsement should be interpreted as a vote of confidence in a political alternative, rather than simply a development related to a political party. "Rivers State deserves an election in which ideas can compete freely, competence can be examined honestly, character can be tested, and the people can make their choice," Fakae stated.

He concluded by saying that the increasing support for Lulu-Briggs indicates that the 2027 contest might increasingly be shaped not just by the strength of political machinery, but also by the trust candidates can earn from the electorate. Fakae affirmed that the Orashi National Congress has made its decision, urging all stakeholders to heed and seriously consider the voice emerging from the region as Rivers State moves closer to the 2027 governorship election.