Don’t Give Second Term to Fail Politicians -Ozobo Warns Electorate

By Monday Peters, Abuja

Prominent human rights advocate and media personality, Amb. Comrade Ozobo Austin, has warned the electorate against re-electing public office holders who failed to deliver on campaign promises, insisting that “failure must not be rewarded with a second term.”

Ozobo issued the warning on Sunday in Port Harcourt while addressing journalists ahead of the 2027 general elections. He said Nigerians, especially in the Niger Delta, must reject the culture of recycling non-performing politicians who impoverish the people and mortgage their future.

“The electorate must be wise. Any governor, senator, representative, or local government chairman who could not provide roads, jobs, electricity, constituency projects, empowerment or security in four years does not deserve another four years,” Ozobo declared.

He noted that several elected officials are already lobbying for re-election despite “monumental failure” in office. “They come with rice, wrappers, and ₦2,000 during elections, then disappear for four years. This time, the people must collect their money and still vote them out,” he said.

Amb. Ozobo urged voters to assess leaders based on verifiable projects, not social media propaganda or paid endorsements.

“Go to your community. Is there a functional hospital? Are your children in school? Is there potable water? Did they empower youths or only their family members? If the answer is no, then don’t give them a second term. It is that simple,” he stated.

He charged civil society groups, traditional rulers, student unions, and traders’ associations to begin voter education campaigns to enlighten citizens on the power of the ballot.

Ozobo also cautioned political parties against imposing failed candidates on the people. “Parties that recycle failure will fail at the polls. Nigerians are more politically aware now. If you bring an unpopular candidate, the people will protest with their votes,” he warned.

He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to ensure free, fair, and credible elections, adding that vote-buying and electoral violence must not be tolerated in 2027.

Speaking specifically on the Niger Delta, Ozobo lamented that despite huge allocations from 13% derivation, NDDC, and Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, many communities remain underdeveloped.

“Our roads are death traps. Our youths are unemployed. Our creeks are polluted. Yet the same people who supervised this decay want a second term. The Niger Delta must say no,” he said.

He advised electorates in Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Edo, and Cross River states to demand scorecards from current office holders before the next elections.

“2027 is not business as usual. It is a decision year. We must retire failed leaders and elect competent, accountable people. The future of our children depends on the choice we make,” Ozobo added.

He urged youths and women, who form the bulk of voters, to resist intimidation and actively participate in the electoral process.