By Akpos Oghenetega,
A fresh political movement has taken root in Patani Local Government Area of Delta State, as the Patani Progressive Forum (PPF) was officially launched on Saturday, April 19, 2025. Made up of passionate citizens from the LGA’s 10 wards, the Forum aims to champion grassroots empowerment and political inclusiveness and bring long-overdue development to forgotten communities.
Speaking at the forum’s inaugural meeting, Convener, Comrade Ughere Daniel declared that PPF was born to fill the political and developmental void that has plagued the area for years. He described it as a platform for progressive ideas and a rallying point for residents determined to drive real, bottom-up change.
“We’re not here for politics as usual,” Ughere stated boldly. “We’re here for action, ideas, and solutions drawn from the people and driven by the people.”
He called on residents from all three clans and ten wards of Patani to unite behind the movement, which plans to hold regular meetings focused on practical steps toward development, accountability, and inclusivity.
Chief Hitler Ekiokeyi, a respected leader within the forum, stressed that the group is out to change the narrative in Patani. “The mission is clear — empower the grassroots, give every voice a platform, and hold leaders accountable for their promises,” he said.
Chief Ekiokeyi lamented years of political stagnation, warning that the people’s patience has run thin. “The sacrifices of our people must finally be rewarded with genuine representation and visible results,” he added.
The Forum emphasized that it intends to engage elected and appointed officials as equal partners — not subordinates — holding them accountable and demanding transparency. It called on political leaders to shed the habit of disappearing after elections, reminding them that public office is a service, not an entitlement.
PPF also revealed plans to roll out political education campaigns across wards and polling units, equipping residents to identify empty promises and resist political gimmicks. The Forum pledged to defend the rights of the people, confront poor governance, and serve as a watchdog for fairness and transparency.
The group’s leadership includes notable figures such as Comr. Ughere Daniel, Chief Hitler Ekiokeyi, Prince Jackson Angalabir, Comr. Odaderia Favour, Comr. Akpode Ogbor, Comr. Prince Odaderia, Comr. Kennedy Agoro, Mr Ayabowei GoodFriday, Mr Ajayi Sawyer, Mr Portharcourt Paul, Miss Miriam Moses, Mr Efidi Godspower, Mr Aromala Settle, Mr Oki Mike, Mr Collins Amor, Miss Preye Philian Captain, among others.
The Patani Progressive Forum has vowed it will no longer be silent in the face of bad leadership and promises to champion the interest of Patani people — one ward at a time.
