Former President Goodluck Jonathan
According to a report by Vanguard on Monday, July 8, 2024, the Niger Delta Integrity and Justice (NDIJ) has publicly expressed a preference for Dr. Goodluck Jonathan to run for President in the 2027 elections over the possibility of Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, serving as Vice-President.
In a statement, the NDIJ acknowledged the suggestion for Atiku Abubakar to select Governor Douye Diri as his Vice-Presidential candidate for the 2027 elections.
While they recognized the potential of this pairing, the group emphasized a broader vision for the Niger Delta region, which involves aiming for the presidency rather than the vice presidency.
The Secretary of NDIJ, George Miriki, articulated the group's position, stating that the Niger Delta should no longer be content with merely holding the vice-presidential slot in the country’s governance.
He said, “Our agenda for 2027 is to produce the President. In as much as we appreciate Diri and his closeness to Atiku, we will work against shortchanging the Niger Delta in 2027.”
Miriki further elaborated on the group's ambitions, indicating a strong desire for the Niger Delta to complete an eight-year term in the presidency.
He stated, “We want to produce the President and our mission is to ensure that the Niger Delta completes its term of eight years at the Presidency.”
The NDIJ stressed the importance of Goodluck Jonathan’s candidacy, noting his previous tenure and widespread popularity.
The statement highlighted that “This time, we are coming stronger with the argument of allowing Jonathan to complete his tenure for the region.”
The group believes that Jonathan’s previous experience and international appeal make him a strong candidate who can effectively lead the country again.
They stated, “Instead of producing a vice-president in Diri, we will prefer a president in Jonathan. He is still loved. And with his global appeal, we believe he will succeed."