A 43-year-old entrepreneur, Richard Akinaka, has formally declared his ambition to contest for the Bayelsa Central Senatorial District seat under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.
Akinaka made the declaration on Saturday while submitting his Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms at the party’s headquarters in Yenagoa.
The aspirant said his decision to join the race was driven by what he described as a longstanding leadership deficit affecting grassroots communities across the senatorial district.
According to him, his ambition is rooted in a desire to tackle socio-economic challenges confronting rural dwellers and improve living conditions for people in underserved communities.
“As one who has experienced the life of our people living in rural communities, I see myself as an embodiment of the collective aspirations of our people. That is why I have thrown my hat into the ring to address the leadership gap and make life better for our people,” he said.
Akinaka noted that his personal experience of life in similar conditions gives him a deeper understanding of the challenges facing constituents.
“I want the best for my constituency. Having experienced life in the same conditions many of our people face, I see it as a responsibility to improve livelihoods at the grassroots. That is why I am seeking this platform—to advance that purpose,” he added.
The entrepreneur also addressed concerns around age and leadership, insisting that effective governance should be judged by competence, responsibility and accountability rather than age.
“I am 43 years old, and I have the capacity to run for this position. Age is not an indication of performance; it is just a number.
“The real question is whether the individual is responsible enough to undertake the task. If that is the benchmark, then I am well qualified to represent Bayelsa Central in the Senate,” he stated.
His declaration adds to growing political activity within Bayelsa State as aspirants begin positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.
What You Should Know
Richard Akinaka’s entry into the Bayelsa Central senatorial race reflects the increasing push for younger political representation in Nigeria ahead of 2027.
His campaign message is centered on grassroots development, rural empowerment and bridging what he describes as a leadership gap within the district. His emphasis on lived experience and accountability aligns with broader calls for issue-based politics.
As political activities intensify in Bayelsa, his candidacy could shape conversations around generational leadership shift and development-focused representation.
