By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA – A Niger Delta group, Niger Delta Revolutionary Crusaders, NDRC, Monday, alleged that a major opposition party is sponsoring attacks and allegations against the Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP, Dr Dennis Otuaro, to scuttle President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

In a statement, signed by High Command, NDRC, W.O.1 Izon-Ebi, the Crusaders claimed to have exposed those behind what it described as politically motivated campaign of calumny against Otuaro in a bid to truncate Tinubu and All Progressives Congress, APC, foothold in the South-South ahead of the 2027 elections.

The statement read in part, “The Niger Delta Revolutionary Crusaders (NDRC), the vanguard of truth and justice in the Niger Delta, hereby exposes the venomous, politically motivated campaign of calumny against the distinguished Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), High Chief (Dr.) Dennis Otuaro. These relentless attacks are not mere coincidences but a well-orchestrated scheme by desperate PDP elements to destabilize the region, sabotage President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and cripple the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s foothold in the South-South ahead of the 2027 elections.

“The Truth Unmasked: A Cowardly Conspiracy by failing political opponents: The Niger Delta, a region historically manipulated by PDP, is now witnessing a new dawn of progress under President Tinubu’s visionary leadership. The appointment of Dr. Dennis Otuaro, a grassroots mobilizer and development-focused leader, as PAP Administrator was a masterstroke to consolidate peace, empower the people and secure the region for APC’s future electoral success.

“However, fearful of losing their crumbling political empire, PDP governors and stakeholders have resorted to dirty propaganda, hiring faceless mercenaries and Abuja-based elites – who have never felt the pain of our people – to spread lies, distort facts and incite unrest against Otuaro’s transformative leadership. Their singular goal? To remove a competent Tinubu loyalist, create chaos in the Niger Delta, and weaken the President’s re-election prospects in the region.”

In its call to action, the group made it clear that the NDRC stands firmly with Dr. Dennis Otuaro whom it described as “a man who has demonstrated unparalleled commitment to the Niger Delta through: Sustainable peace-building initiatives that have stabilized the region; Unprecedented scholarship schemes for qualified indigenes, local and international; Direct stakeholder engagement, not proxy politics; Transparency in managing the office; Skills development; and commitment to the reintegration of beneficiaries.”

However, the group said, “We demand that the Presidency: Publicly reaffirm support for Dr. Otuaro and shield his administration from these malicious attacks.

“Direct the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to immediately investigate and neutralize these destabilizing agents before they plunge the region into crisis.

“Expose and sanction PDP-sponsored propagandists who are more invested in political warfare than the welfare of Niger Deltans.

They also warned perceived enemies of the region that, “The Niger Delta is not a pawn in your dirty political games! We will resist any attempt to drag our region backward for selfish electoral gains. President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the coastal highway project, and the strategic appointments of Niger Delta sons and daughters must not be sabotaged!

“The NDRC stands ready to defend our region’s progress. We urge all well-meaning Nigerians, the media, and security agencies, particularly calling on the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu to investigate these individuals to put a stop for truth and stability of the region. Enough is enough! The Presidency must act NOW!”