The Niger Delta Peace Ambassadors (NDPA) has accused the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, of backing a group known as the \"New Associates\" to stir political unrest in Bayelsa State.

In a statement released in Calabar by its Coordinator, Mr. Bassey Patrick, the group alleged that Dr. Ogbuku is using the New Associates—led by suspended PDP member and ex-convict, Barr. George Turnah—to undermine the influence of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

According to the NDPA, the plot was hatched during a private meeting between Ogbuku and Turnah in Lagos, shortly after Ogbuku received a public service award at the Sun Newspaper event.

While acknowledging Ogbuku’s achievements at the NDDC, the group warned him not to allow political ambition cloud his role as head of a critical regional development agency. Mr. Patrick emphasized that Bayelsa\'s peace and security must not be sacrificed for political games ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He further described the proposed “thank you” rally for President Bola Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike as a cover to launch destabilizing activities, while clarifying that Minister Wike is neither involved in nor aware of the group’s plans.

The NDPA urged President Tinubu to call the NDDC boss to order, citing Bayelsa\'s peaceful environment as key to Nigeria’s rising crude oil production and warning against any act that could reverse the progress made so far.