Chris Iyovwaye, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) gubernatorial candidate, has rejected the endorsement of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori by Urhobo traditional rulers for the 2027 election. Iyovwaye stated that no traditional institution can determine who becomes governor of Delta State. He emphasized that the electorate alone has the authority to elect the governor through the ballot box, as per the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.
The endorsement was made by the Ukoko R’Ivie R’Urhobo, a group of Urhobo traditional rulers, who declared Oborevwori as their "sole candidate" for the 2027 election. Iyovwaye expressed respect for the traditional rulers but argued that their role should not be confused with the constitutional powers of the electorate. He urged Deltans to assess the performance of the Oborevwori administration before deciding who to support in the 2027 election.
Iyovwaye questioned the benefits of Oborevwori's decision to move from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Oborevwori had cited the need to align Delta State with the Federal Government and improve access to federal resources. Iyovwaye said this alignment should demonstrate measurable benefits to Deltans, adding that government at both federal and state levels should be assessed by policy outcomes rather than political affiliations.
The NDC candidate acknowledged the state government's investments in infrastructure and human capital development but argued that the size of government expenditure should not be regarded as evidence of economic transformation. He cited the 2026 budget proposal, which projected a total expenditure of ₦1.664 trillion. Iyovwaye asked for measurable evidence of economic transformation, including job creation and improvements in healthcare and education.
Iyovwaye challenged the administration to provide evidence of sustainable private-sector jobs created, new industries established, and improvements in the business environment. He also asked whether the state was creating opportunities to retain its young population, who are relocating to other cities and overseas. The 2027 election should be an opportunity for voters to examine the government's record and compare competing visions for the state.
The Delta State Government's budget proposal includes ₦720 billion from statutory allocation, ₦250 billion from internally generated revenue, and ₦120 billion from Value Added Tax (VAT). Iyovwaye emphasized that the central question should be about the measurable economic transformation Deltans are receiving in return for these substantial resources. He urged voters to look beyond endorsements from traditional institutions and focus on the government's performance.
Iyovwaye's rejection of the endorsement has set the stage for a potentially contentious 2027 election in Delta State. The NDC candidate's focus on policy outcomes and economic transformation may resonate with voters seeking change. Ultimately, Deltans will decide who to support in the election, based on their assessment of the government's performance and competing visions for the state's future.
Key points
- Chris Iyovwaye rejects endorsement of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori by Urhobo traditional rulers.
- Iyovwaye emphasizes the electorate's authority to elect the governor, as per the 1999 Constitution.
- The 2027 election will be an opportunity for voters to examine the government's record and compare competing visions for Delta State.
