Otuaro warns Niger Delta ex-agitators against political manipulation ahead of 2027

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, has urged ex-agitators in the Niger Delta to resist attempts by desperate politicians to manipulate them for political mischief ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Otuaro issued the warning during the closing session of a three-day leadership and mediation training programme organised by PAP in collaboration with the Nigerian Army Resource Centre.

The workshop, held from July 30 to August 1, 2025, focused on strategic leadership, alternative dispute resolution, and conflict mediation for stakeholders of the programme.

Speaking during the certificate presentation ceremony and subsequent reception at the PAP headquarters, Dr. Otuaro cautioned ex-agitators not to fall for divisive political rhetoric or be misled into opposing the Federal Government.

He expressed concern over recent efforts by certain political actors to incite unrest and pitch beneficiaries of the amnesty programme against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Ex-agitators and beneficiaries should not be deceived and distracted by some politicians,” Otuaro warned.

“We can all see the commitment of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to the Presidential Amnesty Programme.”

Highlighting the Federal Government’s continued support for the region, Otuaro noted that President Tinubu has significantly expanded the PAP budget, enabling wider reach and impact through reintegration and empowerment initiatives.

He praised the administration’s efforts in human capital development and inclusiveness, pointing to key appointments of Niger Deltans into strategic ministries and agencies.

“This level of inclusion is unprecedented and deserves acknowledgement. All we need to do is to be united for the President,” he said.

Dr. Otuaro encouraged the ex-agitators and community stakeholders to remain focused on peace, stability, and the ongoing development of the region, stating that any call for confrontation would undermine the progress achieved so far.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening PAP as a platform for sustainable peace and socio-economic growth in the Niger Delta.

He also called on traditional rulers and community leaders to sensitize the youth and discourage them from becoming instruments of political destabilization.

“The President means well for the Niger Delta, and his goodwill must be reciprocated with unity and constructive engagement,” Otuaro added.

The event marks a continued effort by the Amnesty Office to deepen leadership capacity and promote peacebuilding in the region through dialogue and strategic collaboration.