WILL PRINCE EBITIMI AMGBARE CONTEST THE 2028 BAYELSA GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION?
As Douye Diri’s Tenure Nears Its End, Political Forces Align for a Fierce Battle for Creek Haven
By Emeka Amaefula
As the second tenure of Governor Senator Douye Diri gradually approaches its twilight, the political atmosphere in Bayelsa State is already charged with anticipation. The race for Creek Haven — the seat of power in Yenagoa — is expected to be one of the most intense in the state’s recent history.
Among the emerging figures whose names now dominate political conversations across Bayelsa is Prince Ebitimi Amgbare, a retired naval officer, public administrator, and one of the state’s long-standing apostles of progressive politics. Currently serving as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta River Basin Development Authority (NDRBDA), Amgbare is being quietly but strategically positioned as a likely contender in the 2028 governorship race.
The Battle Lines Begin to Form
Political insiders say the 2028 election may witness a dramatic contest among heavyweights with strong federal connections. Leading the list of possible aspirants within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Nigeria’s current Minister of State for Petroleum Resources.
All three are close to the federal establishment, giving the race a flavour of both local rivalry and national influence. Observers describe it as a potential “fight to finish,” given the competing interests and power blocs that define Bayelsa’s complex political terrain.
In this unfolding drama, Prince Ebitimi Amgbare stands out for his mix of military discipline, administrative experience, and grassroots political reach — attributes that could transform him into a formidable candidate if he decides to throw his hat into the ring.
From Naval Service to Political Strategy
Prince Ebitimi Amgbare’s journey is one marked by discipline, resilience, and service. He began his career in the Nigerian Navy, where he served for twelve years before venturing into politics and public administration. His military background shaped his leadership philosophy — one anchored in order, accountability, and results.
In 2004, he was appointed Commissioner for Youth and Sports in Bayelsa State, where he earned a reputation for mobilising young people and reviving grassroots sporting programmes. Later, as General Manager of the Bayelsa State Transport Company, he demonstrated his administrative acumen in reorganising the agency’s operations.
His first major foray into electoral politics came in 2007, when he contested for governor under the platform of the Action Congress (AC) against Chief Timipre Sylva, who ran on the ticket of the then ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Although he lost that election, Amgbare’s campaign left a mark, introducing a fresh tone of ideological contestation in Bayelsa’s politics.
He later rejoined the All Progressives Congress (APC) and remained a key figure in the party’s consolidation in the state. In April 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed him as Managing Director of the Niger Delta River Basin Development Authority (NDRBDA) — a federal agency responsible for agricultural and environmental development in the region. The appointment was widely seen as recognition of his loyalty, competence, and deep understanding of Niger Delta affairs.
In February 2025, as he turned sixty, President Tinubu sent a personal message congratulating him — a gesture that further underscored Amgbare’s rising profile within the national political establishment.
Championing Development and the Renewed Hope Agenda
At the NDRBDA, Prince Amgbare has focused on practical issues that directly affect rural livelihoods: food security, flood and erosion control, irrigation, and community empowerment. He has also built strategic partnerships with institutions like the Niger Delta University (NDU) to strengthen agricultural innovation and regional climate adaptation strategies.
“The call for collaboration between the Basin Authority and the Niger Delta University is timely. We will do everything within our capacity to tackle flooding, erosion, and agricultural challenges,”
— Prince Ebitimi Amgbare, Vanguard, June 2024.
His leadership has earned him commendation from several regional and youth groups, particularly the Ijaw Youths for Tinubu, who describe him as a bridge between federal policy and local aspirations.
A Consistent Progressive Voice
Amgbare’s political ideology is anchored on progressive governance and accountability. In a 2019 interview with The Punch, he reflected on his political philosophy:
“We initiated the progressive movement on purpose in 2007. It was a deliberate move and not a chanced thing.”
This consistency has defined his political identity. While others have drifted between alliances, Amgbare has maintained his reformist ideals and steady presence in Bayelsa politics.
Will He Run in 2028?
Though he has not formally declared his ambition, his growing political relevance, federal appointment, and close ties to the APC hierarchy suggest a calculated buildup to a larger political mission. Insiders believe that if Amgbare delivers tangible results at the NDRBDA — particularly in agriculture and flood management — he will enter the 2028 race from a position of strength.
His blend of military precision, administrative discipline, and grassroots connection could resonate with Bayelsans seeking a results-driven leader to succeed Governor Douye Diri.
For now, he remains focused on his federal duties, avoiding open campaign statements. Yet, across Yenagoa, Nembe, Sagbama, and Southern Ijaw, the question continues to echo in political gatherings and public discussions alike:
Will Prince Ebitimi Amgbare be the next man to take over Creek Haven in 2028?
———-Emeka Amaefula —–+234(0)8111813069—
