A prominent Niger Delta activist and political figure, High Chief Ambassador Sobomabo Jackrich, popularly known as Egberipapa, has thrown his full weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid and the second-term ambition of Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara.
Egberipapa made this known while hosting the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya, widely known as MC Oluomo, and other top national leaders of the union at his residence in Usokun community, Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The visit, which took place late in the evening, was described as a high-level courtesy call aimed at strengthening cooperation among key political and grassroots leaders across different parts of the country. It also served as a platform to mobilise early support for President Tinubu’s second-term ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections, as well as Governor Fubara’s re-election in Rivers State.
Egberipapa, a well-known freedom fighter in the Niger Delta, told his guests that he and his wide network of supporters across Rivers State and beyond were fully committed to the success of President Tinubu in 2027. He said his influence cuts across all 23 local government areas of Rivers State, with strong links to youth groups, community leaders, and political structures in the wider Niger Delta region.
According to him, the decision to support the president was based on what he described as Tinubu’s leadership style and his interest in maintaining unity and stability in the country.
He also praised the role being played by the president’s son, Seyi Tinubu, whom he described as humble and accessible to ordinary Nigerians, especially the youth.
“This is the first time we are seeing the son of a sitting president moving freely and sincerely with grassroots people,” Egberipapa said. “He listens, he connects, and he relates with young Nigerians without pride. This has helped many people to believe more in the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Egberipapa noted that youth engagement remains a major issue in Nigerian politics and said that efforts like those of Seyi Tinubu were helping to bridge the gap between government and young people at the grassroots.
He pledged to work closely with national and regional leaders to ensure strong grassroots mobilisation across Rivers State and the entire Niger Delta. He stressed that political success in the region depends largely on community-level organisation and trust.
“We are ready to work hand in hand with the leadership of this country,” he said. “What we need is proper coordination from the grassroots to the top. That is how we can build lasting political support and peace in our communities.”
The Niger Delta leader also used the occasion to commend President Tinubu for his role in supporting Governor Siminalayi Fubara during difficult political moments in Rivers State. He said the president’s timely intervention helped to calm tensions and restore stability in the state.
In recent times, Rivers State has witnessed political disagreements that drew national attention. Many observers believe that the involvement of President Tinubu played a key role in preventing the situation from escalating further.
Egberipapa said the president acted like a father to the state by ensuring that peace was maintained. He added that this gesture strengthened the bond between Rivers State and the Federal Government.
Reaffirming his loyalty to Governor Fubara, Egberipapa promised to continue working closely with the governor to ensure that Rivers State delivers strong support for President Tinubu in 2027.
“We will deliver Rivers State in block for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he declared. “Governor Fubara and I are on the same page. We will work together to make sure the state stands firmly with the president.”
In his response, MC Oluomo thanked Egberipapa for the warm reception and for openly declaring support for President Tinubu. He described the Niger Delta activist as a respected leader with deep grassroots reach and influence.
MC Oluomo assured Egberipapa that his concerns and requests would be conveyed to President Tinubu. He also promised a stronger and more inclusive working relationship between the NURTW leadership and Niger Delta stakeholders.
“I appreciate this support and this show of unity,” MC Oluomo said. “We are all working for the same goal, which is the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the progress of Nigeria.”
He added that transport workers across the country remain committed to the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration and are ready to play their part in national development and political mobilisation.
MC Oluomo is a key political figure in Lagos State and a long-time ally of President Tinubu. As leader of the NURTW, he controls a powerful grassroots structure made up of transport workers across Nigeria. His visit to Rivers State is seen by political watchers as a strategic move to strengthen alliances ahead of the next general elections.
Rivers State is considered one of Nigeria’s most politically important states due to its large voting population. President Tinubu recently described the state as the fourth most populated in terms of voters, making it a major target ahead of 2027.
Egberipapa’s support is therefore seen as significant, given his strong base in the riverine communities and his long-standing role in Niger Delta politics.
The meeting in Usokun community is widely viewed as a signal of growing unity among Tinubu’s supporters in the South-South region. It also points to increased political engagement between the Niger Delta and key national structures.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, such alliances are expected to shape political strategies and grassroots mobilisation across the country.