By Sunday Apah
In a resounding show of support, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State has officially endorsed President Bola Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as the party’s exclusive candidates for the upcoming 2027 general elections.
This noteworthy decision was made during an APC Stakeholders Meeting held at the State Banquet Hall, Government House, Asaba, attracting a significant turnout of party leaders, lawmakers, commissioners, and local government officials from across Delta’s three senatorial districts.
The confidence motion was spearheaded by Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, and was enthusiastically seconded by Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly. Keyamo commended President Tinubu’s decisive reforms and visionary governance, specifically praising the removal of the fuel subsidy as a pivotal policy that has redirected billions into essential national infrastructure.
“Just two days ago, Mr. President approved $1 billion for the revitalization of Warri port, among other vital projects, including the Lagos-Calabar coastal road and the redevelopment of Lagos Airport. These are tangible results stemming from the financial savings achieved through subsidy removal. The President has proven himself to be a prudent steward and an insightful leader,” Keyamo stated.
He further lauded Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his forward-thinking leadership and the remarkable infrastructural enhancements underway in Delta State. Following this, he put forth a motion calling for the Delta APC to express a vote of confidence in both leaders and to adopt them as the party’s official candidates for the 2027 elections.
The motion received unanimous support, with Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei praising the inclusive governance models employed by both Tinubu and Oborevwori, emphasizing their significant developmental impact in Nigeria and Delta State respectively. He remarked, “The people of Delta State and the South-South region stand firmly behind President Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for their vision for a revitalized Nigeria and Delta State.”
Responding to the endorsement, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori expressed heartfelt thanks to the stakeholders for their faith in him and in President Tinubu, promising to remain committed to realizing his development agenda for Delta State.
“I appreciate the confidence shown in us as the sole candidates for the 2027 elections. The APC is becoming increasingly robust, as more governors are expected to join our ranks by the end of November,” he declared.
He extolled President Tinubu’s leadership style, characterizing him as “a man who rewards loyalty, dedication, and tangible results.”
“Our votes will serve as our report card in 2027. Those who genuinely support the President must express that through the ballot. In the last election, I secured victories in 21 out of 25 local governments due to our hard work and loyalty. True commitment is what matters,” Oborevwori affirmed.
The Governor cautioned against disloyal behavior within the party, highlighting that some members who did not support the APC in previous elections had unfairly benefited. “We are aware of those who did not contribute to the APC’s success but are currently in power. When the time is right, we will reveal their disloyalty. This time, loyalty will be justly rewarded, while hypocrisy will be shown no favor,” he declared.
He emphasized the need for unity and collective decision-making, urging leaders to prioritize the party’s interests over personal ambitions. The Governor also spotlighted ongoing infrastructural projects across Delta State, including the ₦59 billion Uromi Junction flyover and the ₦39 billion Ughelli flyover, along with the impending groundbreaking of the Warri/Sapele Road rehabilitation project.
“This state is unique in that our contractors are not owed; we provide 40% mobilization upfront. Our successful management of resources reflects the efficacy of the President’s reforms,” Oborevwori noted.
Former Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, expressed his contentment with the gathering, calling the mass defection on April 28, 2025, a pivotal moment in the state’s political landscape. “Joining the APC was undoubtedly the right choice. The party is now stronger, more unified, and poised for success in 2027,” Okowa stated.
He commended President Tinubu’s economic policies as “bold and essential,” urging leaders to help their constituents understand the long-term benefits of the ongoing reforms. Okowa also congratulated Governor Oborevwori for successfully uniting the party, crediting his humility and inclusive leadership for strengthening APC’s presence across all senatorial districts.
During his welcome address, APC State Chairman Elder Omeni Sobotie declared that Governor Oborevwori’s performance has rendered the party “formidable and unstoppable,” noting that anyone attempting to challenge the Governor would encounter significant resistance.
Chief Paulinus Akpeki, Chairman of APC Delta Central, affirmed that April 28 marked a significant turning point where “vision coincided with action,” pledging unwavering unity and focus on future victories.
From Delta North, Chief Adizue Eluaka, and from Delta South, Austin Oribioye both echoed sentiments of newfound unity within the APC, stating their commitment to winning all upcoming elections.
Representatives from the National Assembly, Senators Ede Dafinone, Ned Nwoko, Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, and Hon. Nicholas Mutu collectively asserted that “there is no vacancy until 2031,” pledging to work diligently for the benefit of their constituents and the party.
Prominent leaders, including Olorogun O’tega Emerhor (Delta Central), Senator Peter Nwaoboshi (Delta North), and Senator James Manager (Delta South), collectively affirmed their support for Governor Oborevwori, declaring that there would be “no opposition” against him in 2027 and vowing strong electoral backing for both him and the President.
Hon. Dagidi Andaye, representing ALGON and Bomadi Council Chairman, assured that all council chairmen are fully dedicated to achieving victory for the party in 2027.
Former National Women Leader Hon. Stella Okotete called for an increase in women’s representation in the party, emphasizing that women make up over 51 percent of the voting electorate.
Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, assured full support from all Assembly members for both the Governor and the President, promising continued delivery of democratic benefits.
As the meeting concluded, the atmosphere was filled with a sense of celebration, solidarity, and a renewed confidence in the leadership of President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori, setting the stage for the upcoming electoral battle.
