The leadership of the Ex-Agitators Leaders Forum for Phases One, Two and Three of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has denied endorsing the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections and dismissed reports of an alleged endorsement meeting in Bomadi, Delta State.
The forum also distanced itself from a group claiming to represent former Niger Delta agitators in support of the ADC, describing its members as impostors with no affiliation to the recognised leadership of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
In a statement jointly signed by the national chairman of Phase Two and chairman of the Ex-Agitators Leaders Forum, Ibena Rufus Salvation, National Chairman of Phase One, Aroni Oputu, and National Chairman of Phase Three, Elaye Slaboh, the leaders urged the public to disregard the report circulating on social media.
The reaction followed a statement by a group identifying itself as the “Ex-Niger Delta Agitators Forum for ADC,” which claimed that former agitators had endorsed the alleged vice-presidential nomination of former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi and pledged support for the ADC in the 2027 general elections.
Rejecting the claim, the recognised ex-agitator leaders said the group neither represents beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme nor has the authority to speak on their behalf.
Speaking on behalf of the forum, Ibena said the recognised leadership remains loyal to the Presidential Amnesty Programme and would only take directives from the programme’s administrator, Chief Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro.
According to him, Ojuemi Oweikeme, who signed the earlier statement as national chairman of the purported ADC ex-agitators forum, is not recognised as an ex-agitator, beneficiary or leader under any of the three phases of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
“Ojuemi Oweikeme is not an ex-agitator, nor a beneficiary or leader in any of the three phases. If at all he exists, he should go and look for an NGO he can join,” Ibena said.
He described members of the group as impostors with no mandate to speak for ex-agitators, adding that they had no recognised standing within the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
“We were aware of such impersonators when we were still in the creek during the struggle, but now we are all visible and the era of impersonation with individuals’ and groups’ names is over,” he said.
Ibena also questioned the credibility of one Ezekiel Perela, whose name appeared in the publication, and called on security agencies to monitor the activities of the group, alleging that its members could be attempting to create instability in the Niger Delta.
He also cautioned the leadership of the ADC and its candidates against dealing with the group.
The forum commended the administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Chief Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, for what it described as his achievements since assuming office, particularly the ongoing reintegration of beneficiaries within and outside Nigeria.
According to the leaders, the reintegration programme reflects the administrator’s commitment to the welfare and long-term development of ex-agitators and beneficiaries.
The forum reaffirmed its unity and urged the public to disregard political statements issued by unauthorised individuals claiming to speak on behalf of ex-agitators or beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
