2027: Obi, Dickson Rally Bayelsa Supporters in Massive Boat Regatta

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, alongside the party’s national leader, Seriake Dickson, on Friday launched a unique campaign outing in Bayelsa State, participating in a colourful boat regatta through the state’s waterways.

The event transformed parts of Yenagoa into a festive atmosphere as hundreds of boats adorned with NDC flags cruised the creeks, while supporters chanted slogans in support of Obi’s 2027 presidential bid.

Obi and Dickson boarded one of the lead boats and greeted cheering residents gathered along the waterfront during the procession.

Addressing supporters, Obi said the campaign was aimed at engaging citizens in their communities and acknowledged the importance of Bayelsa’s riverine environment.

“We are not just campaigning; we are connecting with the people in their own environment. The people of Bayelsa live on water, so we must meet them on water,” he said.

Dickson described the regatta as evidence of the party’s growing grassroots support in the Niger Delta, particularly among the Ijaw people.

“This is not Abuja politics. This is the real people, the Ijaw people, showing their strength. With boats, we will sail to victory,” the former Bayelsa governor said.

The boat regatta, a longstanding cultural tradition among the Ijaw people, was incorporated into the campaign as a way of blending political outreach with local customs.

Supporters of the NDC said the strategy reflected respect for Bayelsa’s culture while helping the party take its message directly to communities across the waterways.

Videos from the event quickly gained traction on social media, with many observers praising Obi’s decision to campaign in the creeks and engage residents in their natural environment.