Chief Ayiri Emami is a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State. In this interview with, he sheds light on the political realignments in the South-South and the factors driving support for President Tinubu ahead of 2027
There has been a wave of defections into the APC by governors and political figures in the South-South. What is responsible for this? Is the ruling party taking over the region ahead of 2027?
On the question of APC taking over the South-South, let me say this: I have been a firm believer in Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu long before 2023. I didn’t support him out of sentiment but out of conviction. I saw in him a leader who could change the course of this nation. Before he became president, Nigeria was heading in the wrong direction, and some of us who believed in his ability to fix things were almost crucified in the Niger Delta for standing by him. But I held on to my conviction because I had interacted with him personally, listened to him, and watched how he handled challenges.
People often underestimate the importance of conviction in politics. Many politicians lack ideology; they follow where benefits flow. But I have always believed that leadership should be guided by principle. My faith in Asiwaju came from understanding his character and competence. I have seen how he governs and how he gets things done. That gave me the confidence that, as president, he would transform the system and deliver results.
In our region, politics has always been transactional. Many support whoever gives them quick benefits rather than long-term progress. Some of those who opposed Asiwaju in the past did so not because he lacked capacity, but because they feared he knew too much about the Niger Delta and could expose the inefficiencies and corruption entrenched there. I had many conversations with people who openly said they preferred northern leaders because, in their words, “they don’t understand our terrain.” But I have always believed that a man like Asiwaju, who has studied and engaged with every part of this country, understands the South-South better than most.
Now, look at what has happened since he took office. Some of the very people who fought him have changed their stance. Why? Because they can see that his leadership is closing loopholes and dismantling shady deals. The noise you hear from some quarters is not about Nigeria not moving forward — it’s from those who have lost their old privileges.
Take Warri Port, for example. During Buhari’s administration, we made several visits to the Villa to push for its revival but got nowhere. In just two years, President Tinubu has allocated funds for the port and the Omadino-Escravos road project to connect communities through Gbaramatu. These are tangible results. Under previous governments, such projects would have been trapped in paperwork between NNPC, Chevron, and NDDC. Now they are being executed.
When people see progress like this, their confidence grows. That is why governors in the South-South are now joining the APC. They have seen that this president keeps his word and that his policies favour real development. As someone who worked hard in 2022 and 2023 to convince my people to support him, I am happy to see that those who once opposed him now wear his cap proudly. There was a time when wearing Asiwaju’s cap in Warri could get me stoned in a club. Today, everyone wears it, and I can relax knowing the message has finally sunk in.
We may still face challenges as a country, but I always tell people that the difficulties we face today were not caused by Asiwaju. Many of these problems were inherited. Those of us who have been in the APC long enough know what we went through in the past eight years. I got no federal or state benefits back then, yet I remained committed. Now we can see genuine signs of progress. That alone justifies the wave of defections. South-South leaders have realised that Tinubu is a progressive and results-oriented leader, and that’s why they’re aligning with him.
We were told that when the current governor of Delta State joined the APC, many of you didn’t welcome him. What is the state of the party now, and how much progress do you think the president will make in the region by 2027? Also, has the perception that the Labour Party is strong in Delta State changed?
That’s a good question. When Governor Sheriff Oborevwori decided to join the APC in Delta, some people resisted him. I was not one of them. My main concern has always been the president’s interest. If the governor says he wants to support the president, who am I to oppose that? My only advice was simple: those who have been in the party from the beginning should not be sidelined. Everyone should be carried along.
I did not join any group lobbying the president to block Sheriff. I supported Ovie Omo-Agege in 2023, but Sheriff won. The president also won. Now that Sheriff is working with the president, I see no reason not to work with him too. My only appeal is that old members should not be oppressed. The party must remain inclusive.
As for the Labour Party, I see it as a temporary platform — a coalition of aggrieved politicians from the PDP, the APC, and other groups. It doesn’t have a solid structure in Delta State. In 2023, many people were frustrated and used LP as an alternative. But that won’t be the case in 2027. Today, most major political actors are in one camp — the APC camp. Consultations are ongoing, and I can confidently say that about 80 per cent of our key players are working together.
We still have 20 per cent outside, but in politics, no one should be ignored. Everyone matters. That’s why we are reaching out to ensure complete unity before 2027. I am confident that with the national leadership of the APC being strong, Delta will soon follow that path fully. I expect a much better outing in 2027 for both the governor and President Tinubu.
So, are you saying the Labour Party (LP) has no real foothold in Delta State?
Not exactly, but it lacks a core structure. Most LP members are drawn from other parties out of frustration or temporary grievances. The Labour Party (LP) in 2023 was more of a political shelter for dissatisfied politicians than a grounded organisation. Many of them are already returning to their original bases.
How do you assess the performance of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) since President Tinubu took office?
This is the first time NDDC has had a clear sense of purpose. The leadership — the chairman and the managing director — is working hand in hand, and that has made a big difference. Across the region, you now see meaningful projects, not just billboards or empty promises.
Take the Omadino-Escravos road again. That project came through a joint venture involving NDDC, Chevron, NNPC, and the Delta State government. Once completed, it will connect communities and open up economic opportunities from Warri to Escravos. That kind of vision requires strong leadership, and the current NDDC management deserves credit for that.
In my Itsekiri area, for example, the commission has installed solar lights in nearly all communities. We used to have total darkness, but now even students can read outside at night. When I see such practical impact, I have to acknowledge it. And this is happening under an Ijaw managing director, which shows inclusiveness. If you visit Imo, Bayelsa, or Rivers, you’ll find similar developments — roads, Corpers’ Lodges, and other community projects. I will always speak the truth: the current NDDC team is performing well.
If that’s the case, why are there calls for the managing director’s removal and allegations that he’s plotting against the president?
Politics often breeds rumour and jealousy. Let me use a personal example. My younger brother was once involved in a drug-related issue. I had no idea, yet social media linked it to me. That’s how easily people jump to conclusions because of association.
It’s the same with the NDDC matter. If someone accuses Timipre Sylva of something, people will immediately try to connect his associates, even if they have no evidence. That’s just how politics works — smear by association.
I am not the spokesman for the NDDC MD, Sam Ogbuku, but I can say he’s been doing a good job. He’s young, focused, and genuinely interested in developing the region. He has earned support not because of patronage but because people see results.
Investigations by the security agencies should continue, but we should not allow gossip to distract the commission from its work. The military and DSS know what they’re doing. If someone is guilty, the truth will come out. As for coup rumours, let me make it clear: no responsible Nigerian, especially from the Niger Delta, will ever support a coup. Democracy remains our best path forward, no matter its imperfections.
What is responsible for the recent surge in oil production?
Several factors. First, the federal government has engaged credible surveillance companies to protect pipelines and oil infrastructure. These companies employ young people from local communities, giving them a stake in maintaining peace.
Second, there are community welfare programmes where stipends are paid to elderly women and vulnerable people. This makes everyone a stakeholder. Now, if an old woman sees smoke from illegal bunkering, she’ll report it because she knows her welfare depends on stability. That has reduced pipeline vandalism significantly. When communities benefit directly from government policies, production naturally rises.
As an APC chieftain, don’t you think the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may bounce back as it prepares for its national convention in Ibadan?
I’m not a PDP member, and I don’t like poking my nose into their affairs. My focus is the APC. If PDP is going down, that’s to my advantage. Politics is competition, not charity. If I can strengthen my party while the opposition weakens, I’ll gladly do so. I honestly pray PDP doesn’t recover because it makes our job easier.
Don’t you think that position is selfish?
Not at all. Even God teaches us to love ourselves before loving our neighbour. In an aeroplane, you’re told to wear your oxygen mask first before helping others. The same applies here. We’re in a political contest — if the PDP is struggling, why should I revive them? We’re in the same race.
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