The governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Delta State, Chris Iyovwaye, has rejected the endorsement of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori by Urhobo traditional rulers ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The traditional rulers, under the Ukoko R’Ivie R’Urhobo, had declared Oborevwori their preferred candidate for the election, describing him as the sole candidate of the Urhobo nation.
However, Iyovwaye maintained that traditional institutions have no constitutional authority to determine who becomes governor, insisting that the power to elect the state’s next leader rests with the electorate.
While acknowledging the importance of traditional rulers as custodians of culture and tradition, the NDC candidate said their endorsements should not override the democratic rights of voters.
He urged Deltans to assess the performance of the Oborevwori administration and consider key issues such as job creation, industrial development, infrastructure, healthcare, education and economic diversification before making their decisions.
Iyovwaye also questioned the benefits of Oborevwori’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly the governor’s explanation that the move would improve Delta State’s access to federal resources.
According to him, the political alignment should produce measurable improvements in the lives of residents, rather than being judged solely by party affiliation.
He acknowledged the state government’s reported investments in roads, bridges, human capital development and economic growth but argued that government spending alone does not establish the extent of economic progress.
The NDC candidate cited Delta State’s proposed 2026 budget of ₦1.664 trillion, challenging the administration to demonstrate how its spending translates into sustainable private-sector jobs, new industries, improved business conditions and better public services.
He also raised concerns about opportunities for young people in the state, questioning whether the government was creating enough jobs and viable livelihoods to discourage migration to Lagos, Abuja and other countries.
Iyovwaye maintained that the 2027 governorship election should give Deltans an opportunity to evaluate the administration’s record and consider alternative policy proposals, rather than treating endorsements by traditional rulers as a final political decision.
