Before Abuja, There Is Southern Ijaw, Says NDC Candidate Leghemo
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for the Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency in the 2027 House of Representatives election, Diepreye Abaye Leghemo, has said his campaign will be centred on the people, communities and developmental needs of the constituency.
Leghemo, popularly known as DAL, stated this while outlining his vision for the campaign, stressing that the people of Southern Ijaw must remain at the heart of any political ambition to represent them at the National Assembly.
“Before any seat in the National Assembly, there are the communities that gave us our identity,” Leghemo said.
He noted that beyond political positions and national institutions in Abuja, there are families, traditional institutions, elders, youths and communities whose aspirations should guide those seeking elective office.
According to him, the homes where people were raised, the elders whose wisdom shaped their lives and the young people looking towards the future are all part of the constituency he seeks to represent.
“These are the people I carry in my heart as I seek the mandate to represent Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency,” he said.
Leghemo said he did not want his campaign to be defined by conventional displays of political activity, such as posters, convoys and political rhetoric, but by conversations around the actual needs of the people.
“I don't want this campaign to be about posters, convoys and big grammar. Let it be about our people. Let it be about our communities. Let it be about what Southern Ijaw truly needs,” he stated.
His comments come as political activities intensify in Southern Ijaw ahead of the 2027 general elections, with different political parties and aspirants engaging stakeholders and constituents across the federal constituency.
Leghemo, who joined the NDC in 2026, had previously been identified in media reports as a former House of Representatives aspirant for the Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency. At the time of his entry into the NDC, he said he would work with other members to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
The NDC candidate further called on residents and supporters who identify with his approach to join him in the political journey.
“If you believe in this kind of journey, walk with me,” he appealed.
He urged constituents to support the NDC in the January 16, 2027 election for the Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency House of Representatives seat.
