Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs, governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 election, has unveiled an ambitious plan to transform Rivers State through economic diversification, institutional reforms and improved public services.
Lulu-Briggs presented his vision during a media parley in Buguma, Asari-Toru Local Government Area, where he addressed journalists on his political ambition, business interests, previous electoral contests and proposed solutions to the state’s development challenges.
He said his aspiration to govern Rivers State was motivated by a desire to improve the welfare of its people, arguing that the state had sufficient natural and human resources to achieve greater prosperity if properly managed. He described his proposed “Reset Rivers State” agenda as a departure from what he termed politics without purpose, advocating governance focused on development, accountability and service delivery.
A major component of his proposal is to expand the state’s economy from an estimated $20 billion to $200 billion over 15 years. To achieve this, he called for greater investment in sectors beyond oil and gas, including agriculture, fisheries, tourism, maritime services, aviation, logistics and the creative industry. He also proposed improving the competitiveness of Port Harcourt’s ports and transport connections to position the city as a major commercial hub serving the South-South and South-East regions.
On education and healthcare, the NDC candidate stressed the need to move beyond constructing public facilities to ensuring they function effectively. He promised an approach that prioritises adequate equipment, qualified personnel and improved access to essential services. He also highlighted entrepreneurship, vocational training and support for productive businesses as measures to help young people secure sustainable livelihoods.
Addressing questions about his participation in previous elections, Lulu-Briggs explained that his decision to discontinue legal challenges after the 2019 election was influenced by concerns over election-related violence and the need to preserve peace in the state. He contrasted that decision with his response to the 2023 election, when he pursued his case through the election tribunal, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. He rejected allegations that his decisions reflected political surrender or inducements.
The governorship hopeful also denied having any current direct or indirect business relationship with Lubrik, noting that his late father, O.B. Lulu-Briggs, had been a major shareholder before the company was subsequently sold. He challenged those alleging that he retained an interest in the company to provide evidence. He equally dismissed suggestions that his business success depended on government contracts, stating specifically that he had never secured contracts from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
In a personal pledge, Lulu-Briggs said he would forgo his salary and allowances if elected governor, directing the proceeds towards charitable causes, particularly support for widows and vulnerable residents of Rivers State. He said his experience in building a private business had equipped him with lessons in discipline, investment and long-term planning that could be applied to public administration.
He further identified environmental protection as an essential part of his development vision, particularly for communities grappling with pollution, flooding and coastal erosion. According to him, sustainable development must translate into tangible improvements in employment, infrastructure, education, healthcare and living standards.
Lulu-Briggs maintained that Rivers State’s principal challenge was not a lack of resources but the failure to convert its considerable assets into widespread economic opportunities and improved living conditions. He urged voters to consider his proposed reset as an alternative approach to governance ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
