As the 2027 general election approaches, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is taking his re-election campaign to the grassroots, emphasizing continuity, infrastructure development, and direct support for ordinary citizens. The governor's MORE Plus campaign strategy was unveiled at the inauguration of the Delta State All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Council in Asaba. This approach aims to build on the administration's M.O.R.E Agenda with a greater emphasis on the economic circumstances of residents, particularly small business owners, artisans, and vulnerable households.
Governor Oborevwori has charged party leaders and members to engage directly with voters, explaining how government projects and policies affect their daily lives. He stressed that political support cannot be secured by simply listing government projects, but by reaching out to market women, farmers, traders, artisans, young people, and workers where they live and work. Campaign coordinators have been directed to strengthen their grassroots structures, work with support groups, and explain the achievements of the APC-led government to the electorate.
The state government has launched a N5 billion grassroots empowerment programme targeting 100,000 small-scale business owners and other beneficiaries across Delta's 500 wards. Each beneficiary is expected to receive N50,000, with councillors facilitating the selection and distribution at the ward level. This initiative aims to address the financial difficulties faced by households, recognizing that roads, bridges, and public buildings do not immediately alleviate financial struggles.
In addition to the grassroots empowerment programme, the government has approved a separate N4 billion intervention for 15,000 indigent residents to establish or expand small businesses. This scheme covers the state's 25 local government areas, prioritizing vulnerable people operating micro-enterprises, those seeking to start businesses, and residents needing financial assistance to improve their circumstances. These programmes aim to extend the benefits of governance beyond public infrastructure and create opportunities for people to improve their livelihoods.
The administration's argument for continuity rests on its record of financial management and public investment. According to the Commissioner for Finance, Sir Fidelis Tilije, Delta State ranks highest among the 36 states in liquidity rating, due to improved revenue generation, fiscal discipline, and prudent management of resources. The government is funding its 2026 procurement cycle and executing projects in roads, bridges, healthcare, and education without borrowing.
The government has also made significant investments in infrastructure development, approving the reconstruction and rehabilitation of several roads, including the Warri Ring Road and Airport Road. The Delta State Executive Council has also approved the reconstruction of Ugbolu-Illah Road and the extension of ongoing flyover projects at Otovwodo Junction and College Junction. These projects aim to demonstrate that development is not confined to major urban centres, but is spread across different parts of the state.
The political significance of these initiatives was evident at the inauguration of the APC Campaign Council, where party leaders called for a coordinated effort to secure victory in 2027. Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo, and former governor Ifeanyi Okowa urged members to publicise the Tinubu administration's policies and engage voters directly.
Key points
- The Delta State government has launched a N5 billion grassroots empowerment programme targeting 100,000 small-scale business owners and other beneficiaries.
- The administration has invested in infrastructure development, approving the reconstruction and rehabilitation of several roads across the state.
- The government's MORE Plus campaign strategy focuses on continuity, infrastructure development, and direct support for ordinary citizens.
