Breaking News: Egbema Ijaws in Edo Threaten to Boycott 2027 Elections Over Abandoned Projects

 Egbema Ijaws in Edo Threaten to Boycott 2027 Elections Over Abandoned Projects

Ogwashi-Uku – A prominent Ijaw activist and principal lecturer, Mr. Agbedeyi Odimientimi Desmond, has issued a strong warning to the Edo State Government, stating that the Egbema Ijaw communities in Ovia South West Local Government Area will boycott the 2027 general elections if all ongoing developmental projects in the area are not completed.

Speaking from his office in Ogwashi-Uku, Agbedeyi called on Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo to immediately mobilize contractors back to site, particularly in the riverine Ijaw communities where several infrastructure projects have been abandoned.

He stressed that the Ijaws in Edo State have been marginalized for too long, and that the time has come for the people to demand justice and accountability. “We can no longer be deceived,” he said. “The neglect of our communities is deliberate and unacceptable. I will personally ensure that no election holds in the Egbema communities in 2027 and beyond if these projects are not completed.”

Agbedeyi further urged all Ijaw youths, men, and women to remain alert and united, regardless of political party affiliations. “We must show them that we are aware, organized, and determined. They cannot continue to take us for granted. While the government is busy constructing flyovers and launching multi-billion-naira projects in other parts of the state, projects worth only a few million naira in Ijaw communities have been abandoned,” he said.

He concluded by emphasizing that while the Ijaw people do not seek conflict, they will not offer their votes to a government that continues to treat them as second-class citizens. “If they won’t bring development to our communities, then they should not come for our votes. Enough is enough.”

 Agbedeyi Odimientimi Desmond writes from Asaba