Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has sparked controversy with his recent remark that civil servants receiving the newly approved 13th-month salary package have no choice but to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections. This statement has raised concerns about the use of public resources, the neutrality of the civil service, and the fundamental democratic principle that every voter must remain free to choose.
Governor Oborevwori made these remarks on Thursday, 22 October 2026, during the inauguration of the Delta State APC Campaign Council in Asaba. The event was centered on political mobilisation and the promotion of candidates. The governor reportedly directed campaign council members to take President Bola Tinubu's message to wards and polling units in pursuit of victory for APC candidates.
The 13th-month salary package was introduced by the governor's administration as a welfare initiative for public employees. However, the governor's remark has created the impression that this benefit should determine the political choices of civil servants. This has led to concerns that the government may be using public resources to influence voters.
Party leaders are entitled to campaign, promote their records, and ask citizens for electoral support. However, the concern arises when the language of campaigning appears to imply that a benefit administered by the state should determine the political choices of public employees. There is a fundamental difference between asking voters to reward performance and suggesting that they have no choice but to support the party in power.
The neutrality of the civil service is a fundamental principle in a democratic society. Civil servants should be free to make their own political choices without fear of retribution or coercion. The governor's remark has raised questions about the extent to which the government will go to ensure that its policies are implemented without being influenced by political considerations.
The governor's remark has also sparked concerns about the use of public resources for political campaigns. The 13th-month salary package is a public resource that should be used to improve the welfare of public employees, not to influence their political choices. The government should ensure that public resources are used transparently and accountably.
The incident has highlighted the need for governments to be mindful of their actions and statements, especially during election seasons. Governments should ensure that their policies and programs are implemented in a way that is transparent, accountable, and free from political influence.
Key points
- Governor Oborevwori's remark has raised concerns about the use of public resources to influence voters.
- The neutrality of the civil service is a fundamental principle that should be respected.
- The government should ensure that public resources are used transparently and accountably.
