2027: NDC Youths Vanguard Challenges Kombowei to Public Debate with Okoya
By Jonah Fubara, YENAGOA –Â The Director General of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Youths Vanguard in Bayelsa State, Comrade Preye Egbenpere, has challenged the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Bayelsa Central Senatorial District, Senator Kombowei Friday Benson, to a public media debate with the NDC candidate, Chief (Arc.) Reuben Okoya, ahead of the February 2027 general elections.
Egbenpere issued the challenge during an interview with journalists at the Bayelsa State NDC Secretariat in Yenagoa, on the occasion of the homecoming of the party’s National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, alongside its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and Rivers State governorship candidate, Sir Lulu Briggs.
He said the proposed debate would provide an opportunity for the people of Bayelsa Central to assess the candidates, their records in public service and their respective visions for the district.
The NDC chieftain challenged Benson to use the platform to explain his achievements during his years in public office, beginning with his tenure as Chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, through his membership and eventual speakership of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, to his current position as senator.
He argued that voters deserved to hear directly from those seeking their mandate rather than relying solely on campaign promises.
In a sharp criticism of the APC candidate, Egbenpere used an analogy of a woman who prepares good meals for her husband but fails to extend the same hospitality to his visitors, suggesting that Benson’s record in public office had not translated into sufficient benefits for the people he represents.
He contrasted this with Okoya, whom he described as the right person for the job at a critical time in the political development of Bayelsa Central.
According to him, the NDC candidate represents a new opportunity for effective representation and people-oriented leadership.
“Chief Okoya will be a blessing to Bayelsa Central and to Bayelsa State at large. He is not coming to be served, but to serve. The soul and aim of the NDC is SERVICE to the people,” Egbenpere said.
He urged voters in Bayelsa Central and across the state to support the NDC in February 2027, insisting that the district needed leaders committed to serving the electorate rather than pursuing personal interests.
The challenge comes as political parties and their candidates intensify preparations and mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
