‘I Have The People, Not Money Or Godfather,’ DAL Tells Elderly Voter In Angiama
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) House of Representatives candidate for Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency, Diepreye Abaye Leghemo (DAL), has said his greatest political strength is the people, rather than money or political godfathers.
DAL made the declaration during a boat conversation with an elderly resident at Angiama Waterside in Southern Ijaw, Bayelsa State, while interacting with residents as part of his engagement with communities across the federal constituency.
During the conversation, the elderly man asked the candidate whether he had the financial resources to compete with other politicians seeking the seat.
Responding, DAL said, “Elder Sir, I no get money.”
The elderly man then asked whether he had a political godfather who could support his ambition.
“I no get godfather,” DAL replied.
Expressing concern about how he intended to win in a large constituency such as Southern Ijaw, the elderly man asked: “Then how you want win? Southern Ijaw na big place o!”
DAL responded that he possessed something more valuable than money and political connections — the people.
“Elder, I get something bigger than money and godfather. I get the people. If 10 boys from Amassoma tell 10 boys from Eniwari, and those 10 tell 10 women from Ukubie and Foropa and other communities... who need godfather?” he said.
The response reportedly drew laughter from the elderly man, who thereafter pledged his support for DAL and extended it to his eight children.
“If na like that, my vote na your own. And my eight children own join,” the elderly man told the candidate.
In response, DAL expressed appreciation for the support and promised not to disappoint the elderly man, his children and the people of Southern Ijaw.
“Thank you very much, Sir. I no go disappoint you and your eight children and the entire Southern Ijaw,” he said.
DAL urged residents of the constituency to join him in what he described as a collective journey towards a new era of representation.
“Let us walk this journey together and, on 16th January 2027, make our voices count at the ballot by voting the NDC for the Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency,” he added.
