The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has warned President Bola Tinubu that changing the original route of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway could undermine his administration’s support across Nigeria’s South-South region ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The council urged the Federal Government to retain the highway’s original coastal alignment, arguing that diverting sections of the project towards the existing East-West Road could exclude communities in Edo, Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states from its anticipated benefits.

The warning was issued on Thursday, October 15, 2026, during a press conference at Ijaw House in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

The IYC’s 10-member National Executive Committee, led by its president, Dr Doubra Okotete, expressed concern over statements attributed to the Minister of Works, David Umahi, regarding a possible change to the highway’s route.

Ijaw Youths Demand Original Highway Route

The council maintained that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway should follow its original 750-kilometre coastal corridor, which it said was approved by the Federal Executive Council.

According to the IYC, diverting the route towards the East-West Road could undermine the project’s original objective of improving connectivity and stimulating economic development in coastal communities.

The group insisted that the coastal highway and the East-West Road serve different purposes and should not be treated as interchangeable projects.

It called on Tinubu to direct the Ministry of Works to preserve the approved alignment and ensure that construction progresses along the Edo, Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers sections.

The council also demanded the public release of the approved engineering designs and drawings for the entire highway corridor.

In addition, it urged the Federal Government to direct the project’s contractor to commence work immediately on the affected sections in the South-South.

Council Cites Niger Delta Road Projects

To support its position, the IYC pointed to road and bridge projects in the Niger Delta that it said demonstrated the possibility of constructing major infrastructure across difficult terrain.

The projects cited included the Trans-Kalabari Road in Rivers State, the Port Harcourt-Okrika Road, the Kaa-Ataba Bridge, the Bonny Ring Road and the Gbaregolor-Ogolaha Road in Delta State.

The council argued that engineering challenges should not automatically justify changing the highway’s route or excluding communities that were expected to benefit from the project.

It also criticised comments attributed to former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke, who reportedly questioned the feasibility and cost of continuing with the original coastal alignment.

The IYC offered to sponsor a visit by Duke to Bayelsa and other South-South states to inspect road and bridge projects that it said demonstrated the feasibility of infrastructure development in challenging environments.

Tinubu Faces Political Warning Ahead of 2027

The council warned that diverting the coastal highway could affect public confidence in Tinubu’s administration across the South-South ahead of the 2027 general elections.

It argued that residents of the oil-producing region expected major infrastructure investments to accompany the Federal Government’s development commitments.

The IYC also referred to the political realignments involving Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, all of whom have been associated with moves towards the All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to the council, these developments had raised expectations that the region would receive greater attention in federal infrastructure planning.

The group warned that changing the highway’s route could weaken support for the President if communities believed they were being denied the project’s promised benefits.

However, the council’s warning represents its position on the issue and does not establish how voters across the South-South will respond in 2027.

Federal Government Defends Coastal Highway Project

The controversy follows recent statements by Umahi, who has maintained that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project has not been abandoned.

According to reports, the minister said the government intended to undertake additional reconstruction work on approximately 400 kilometres of the East-West Road while continuing the coastal highway project.

Umahi has cited engineering difficulties, flooding risks and challenging ground conditions among the considerations affecting sections of the route.

The government’s position has been that work on the coastal highway is continuing, although questions remain about how the final alignment will affect some communities in the Niger Delta.

The disagreement has prompted calls from regional groups and other stakeholders for greater transparency regarding the approved route, engineering plans and the project’s expected economic benefits.

The IYC acknowledged that a clarification had been issued concerning the highway but said it remained unconvinced that the concerns of affected communities had been adequately addressed.

Council Calls for Urgent Presidential Intervention

The Ijaw Youth Council urged Tinubu to intervene directly and ensure that the highway follows its original coastal corridor.

It maintained that communities in the South-South should not be excluded from major federal infrastructure projects because of regional differences or construction challenges.

The council also called for simultaneous construction across the different sections to accelerate delivery and reassure residents that the original project objectives remained intact.

The dispute over the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway has become a wider debate about infrastructure planning, regional development and the distribution of economic opportunities across Nigeria’s southern coastline.

As discussions continue, the final route and the government’s response to the concerns raised by the IYC are likely to remain important issues for communities affected by the project.

The Nigerian Senate has ordered an investigation into the death of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Etimbuk Daniel, at the Enugu State orientation camp amid concerns over medical care and emergency response services at NYSC camps across the country.

The decision followed a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Senator Aniekan Bassey, who called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Daniel’s death and a review of healthcare services available to corps members nationwide.

The Senate also directed relevant committees to examine the condition of medical facilities, the availability of qualified healthcare personnel and emergency referral procedures at orientation camps.

According to reports, Daniel, the immediate past president of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of Akwa Ibom State University, died after reportedly complaining of a headache while participating in the national service programme in Enugu.

Senate Seeks Answers Over Alleged Medical Delays

Concerns surrounding Daniel’s death emerged after allegations that he did not receive timely and adequate medical attention at the camp clinic.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) had earlier raised the alarm over the incident.

According to the association’s president, Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, Daniel reportedly complained of a headache and was given medication at the camp clinic. His condition allegedly deteriorated afterwards.

Afeez further claimed that Daniel requested to be taken to a hospital but died before arrangements for his transfer could be completed.

The NANS president also alleged that a doctor subsequently identified the medication administered to Daniel as fake.

These claims have not been presented here as established findings, and the circumstances surrounding the corps member’s death remain subject to investigation.

Committees to Investigate NYSC Healthcare Facilities

Following the adoption of the motion, the Senate directed its Committees on Police Affairs, Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions, Youth Development, and Health to investigate the matter.

The committees are expected to work with the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) as part of the inquiry.

The investigation will examine the events leading to Daniel’s death and assess whether any failures in medical treatment, emergency response or referral procedures contributed to the incident.

Lawmakers also expressed concern about the adequacy of healthcare facilities at NYSC orientation camps, particularly the availability of trained medical personnel and arrangements for transferring corps members to hospitals during emergencies.

Senators stressed that young Nigerians participating in the national service programme should have access to prompt and appropriate medical care.

Senators Call for Measures to Prevent Future Deaths

During deliberations, lawmakers said Daniel’s death had raised broader questions about the quality of healthcare available to graduates deployed to orientation camps far from their families.

Senator Bassey called for urgent action to establish the facts surrounding the incident and strengthen safeguards for corps members.

Other lawmakers also urged the relevant committees to recommend practical measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Senate subsequently observed a minute of silence in honour of the deceased.

Investigation Expected to Address Wider Concerns

Daniel’s death has renewed public attention on the medical facilities and emergency response arrangements available at NYSC orientation camps nationwide.

The outcome of the Senate’s investigation could help identify weaknesses in existing healthcare arrangements and determine what changes may be needed to improve the safety and welfare of corps members.

For now, the allegations surrounding the treatment Daniel received remain subject to investigation. The Senate’s inquiry is expected to establish the circumstances of his death and determine whether any lapses occurred.

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has appealed to United States President Donald Trump to send a high-level delegation to Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections to support efforts to ensure a free, fair and credible electoral process.

Frank made the appeal in an open letter titled “No Mandate From Fraud: Election 2027,” dated October 13, 2026.

In the letter, the former APC spokesman urged the US government to engage Nigerian political leaders, electoral authorities and relevant institutions before the elections, rather than waiting until disputes emerge after voting.

He argued that early international engagement could help strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system and encourage political stakeholders to respect democratic principles.

According to Frank, credible elections are essential for accountable leadership, national stability and economic development.

Timi Frank Calls for US Engagement Ahead of 2027 Polls

Frank urged the Trump administration to consider deploying a senior delegation to Nigeria to engage with political parties, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other stakeholders.

He said discussions should begin well before election day to establish clear expectations for the conduct of the polls and encourage electoral institutions to perform their duties without political interference.

“The time to act is before the elections, not after,” Frank said in his appeal.

He maintained that international partners could support Nigeria’s democratic process by encouraging transparency, accountability and compliance with electoral laws.

However, he acknowledged that the primary responsibility for conducting credible elections rests with Nigerian institutions.

APC Chieftain Raises Concerns Over INEC

The former APC official also expressed concern about public confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Frank argued that trust in the electoral body would be critical to ensuring that Nigerians accept the outcome of the 2027 elections.

He urged electoral officials to demonstrate impartiality and ensure that political parties and candidates are treated fairly throughout the electoral process.

He also called on the relevant institutions to address allegations of electoral misconduct and ensure that those found responsible for violations are held accountable in accordance with the law.

Frank’s appeal comes as political parties and other stakeholders intensify preparations for the next general elections.

Frank Calls for Accountability Over Electoral Offences

Beyond requesting a US delegation, Frank urged Washington to consider targeted sanctions against electoral officials, judicial officers and security personnel found responsible for manipulating elections.

The proposed measures include visa restrictions, asset freezes and financial restrictions against individuals established to have engaged in electoral misconduct.

He argued that accountability should apply regardless of political affiliation, official position or influence.

Frank also called for cooperation between the United States and other international partners to promote democratic standards and discourage actions capable of undermining the credibility of elections.

His proposal places particular emphasis on preventing electoral malpractice before it occurs rather than relying solely on litigation and other remedies after election results have been announced.

Security Agencies and Judiciary Also Under Focus

Frank highlighted the roles of security agencies and the judiciary in ensuring credible elections.

He said security personnel should protect voters, electoral officials and election materials without favouring any political party or candidate.

He also stressed that judicial officers must handle election-related disputes professionally and in accordance with the law.

According to him, the conduct of these institutions could influence public confidence in the electoral process and citizens’ willingness to participate in elections.

Frank urged the relevant authorities to demonstrate independence and professionalism throughout the election period.

Frank Links Credible Elections to Nigeria’s Development

The former APC chieftain also connected electoral integrity to Nigeria’s wider economic and governance challenges.

He argued that credible elections could help strengthen public accountability and improve confidence in government institutions.

Frank further called for stronger cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in areas including security, energy development and economic partnerships.

He maintained that international engagement on electoral matters should complement broader diplomatic relations between both countries.

The 2027 general elections are expected to be a major political event, with political parties preparing for contests across the country.

Although Frank has called for greater US involvement, the responsibility for organising and conducting Nigeria’s elections remains with the country’s constitutionally established institutions.

His proposal adds to ongoing discussions about electoral reform, institutional independence and the role international partners can play in supporting democratic processes.

As preparations continue, the actions of INEC, political parties, security agencies and other relevant institutions will remain central to public confidence in the elections.