Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, the Delta State governorship candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has declared that the recent endorsement of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for a second term by Urhobo traditional rulers cannot override the constitutional right of Deltans to choose their own governor through a credible gubernatorial election next year. Iyovwaye made this statement in response to a communiqué issued by the Ukoko R’Ivie R’Urhobo, the council of Urhobo traditional rulers, which had declared Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as the “sole candidate” of the Urhobo nation ahead of next year’s governorship election in the state.
Iyovwaye emphasized that Delta State belongs to all its diverse communities—including the Urhobo, Ijaw, Itsekiri, Isoko, and Anioma. He argued that the governorship is “a sacred trust sought from all Deltans, not a title conferred by an ethnic consensus.” The NDC candidate challenged the rationale behind the endorsement, asking what exactly the royal fathers were endorsing, and demanded to know if the endorsement covered sustainable jobs for unemployed youth, established industries, enabled businesses, reliable infrastructure, a stronger healthcare system, or a credible strategy to diversify the state’s economy beyond oil revenues.
Iyovwaye questioned the argument that Delta State lacks resources, citing the State Government’s 2026 budget proposal, which projected a total expenditure of ₦1.664 trillion, including ₦720 billion from statutory allocation, ₦250 billion from internally generated revenue (IGR), and ₦120 billion from VAT, alongside increased FAAC inflows following the removal of the petroleum subsidy. He stated that the central question should no longer simply be: “How much revenue does Delta State receive?” but rather “What measurable economic transformation are Deltans receiving in return for these substantial resources?”
The governorship hopeful also criticized the political alignment between the Delta State Government and the central government, noting that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is currently the ruling party in Nigeria, and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has chosen to align Delta State politically with the APC. Iyovwaye maintained that this political alignment creates an even greater obligation to demonstrate tangible results, warning that Deltans should not be asked to celebrate political alignment when what they require is meaningful economic transformation.
Iyovwaye stressed that his criticisms were rooted in accountability rather than political bitterness, asserting that if an administration has access to greater resources, it should create greater opportunities. He declared that the APC cannot seek another mandate from Deltans on the basis of promises alone but must account for its results. Iyovwaye emphasized that political alignment is not development, budgets are not development, and contracts are not development; development is measured by the extent to which government improves the lives and economic prospects of its people.
While acknowledging the present administration’s reported investments in roads, bridges, and human-capital development, the NDC candidate countered that expenditure is not the same thing as transformation. He raised several critical questions regarding how many sustainable private-sector jobs have been created, how many new industries are operating, and how many young people who would otherwise leave Delta for Lagos, Abuja, or overseas now have viable opportunities at home. Iyovwaye insisted that the election should be a referendum on performance, accountability, competence, and vision rather than endorsements or political arrangements.
Looking forward to the 2027 polls, Iyovwaye announced that this is the exact conversation he is bringing to Deltans under the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). Vowing to remain in the race, Iyovwaye stated that he seeks no confrontation with traditional institutions and plans to officially request an audience with the Ukoko R’Ivie R’Urhobo to present his vision directly to them.
Key points
- Iyovwaye disputes traditional rulers' endorsement of Oborevwori
- Delta State governorship election to be a referendum on performance
- Iyovwaye vows to remain in the race despite endorsement.
