An activist in the Niger Delta region, Prince Afoke Okporua, has canvassed support for the presidential bid of former Governor of Jigawa state, Alhaji Sule Lamido, towards 2019 election.

Okporua, a member of the 2015 PDP Presidential Campaign Organization, described Lamido as the man to beat for the 2019 presidential poll, adding that Niger Deltans have no other candidate but Lamido.

Okporua, who spoke with our correspondent on Friday said, "'I make bold to say that the former Governor of Jigawa State, His Excellency, Alh. Dr. Sule Lamido (CON) is the man to beat in the region.

"As I speak with you, the leader of the Talakawas is a household name both in the hinterland and creeks of the Niger-Delta region. It is almost too late for any other aspirant, including the incumbent President, to enjoy the love accorded to Lamido in the region."

He declared that no amount of intimidation from Buhari-led government could stop Lamido.

He said: "If they like let them come with billions of naira, let the ruling party over stretch it's incumbency might, they can't succeed over Sule Lamido because the structures and barricades have been erected in his favour as far as the nine Niger-Delta states are concerned."

"We had to do this because it is evident no other aspirant loves the region like Lamido does, he frequents the region to encourage our governors and ensure peace reigns, in 2015 he didn't defect despite been among the G7.

"In 2011 his house and company were burnt down in Kano State because of his staunch support for Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and as far as Nigeria is concerned at the moment, he is the only one speaking the truth to power. Apart from Lamido, which other aspirant challenges PMB?

"There is no other aspirant that parades the political clout and democratic credentials of Alhaji Sule Lamido, as at 1979 he was a federal lawmaker, in 1999, he became a minister of foreign affairs under OBJ and then governor of Jigawa State for two solid terms leaving behind monumental achievements.

The way Nigeria is now, we need a unifying factor, a bridge builder, a renowned patriot and one with a handshake across the Niger and Sule Lamido is that man."