WARRI: The governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Delta State, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, has rejected the endorsement of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori by a forum of Urhobo traditional rulers, insisting that the final decision on who governs the state rests with voters.
Iyovwaye was reacting to a communiqué by the Ukoko R’Ivie R’Urhobo, in which Urhobo traditional rulers expressed support for Oborevwori as the “sole candidate” of the Urhobo nation ahead of the 2027 Delta State governorship election.
While acknowledging the importance of traditional institutions, Iyovwaye said their authority to provide cultural and traditional guidance should be distinguished from the constitutional role of the electorate in choosing political leaders.
He said the traditional rulers had the right to express their views but maintained that an endorsement could not replace the ballot or determine the outcome of a democratic election.
Iyovwaye said the 2027 governorship election should give residents the opportunity to assess the record of the incumbent administration alongside the programmes and credentials of other candidates.
He identified issues including employment, industrial development, support for businesses, infrastructure, healthcare, education and economic diversification as areas that should form part of the public conversation ahead of the election.
According to him, political endorsements should not prevent voters from independently assessing the performance of any government seeking another mandate.
The NDC candidate also questioned whether the level of government revenue and expenditure in Delta State had translated into measurable improvements in the lives of residents.
He referred to the Delta State Government’s 2026 budget proposal, which projected total expenditure of ₦1.664 trillion, including projected statutory allocation of ₦720 billion, internally generated revenue of ₦250 billion and VAT revenue of ₦120 billion.
Iyovwaye argued that the central issue was not simply how much money the state received, but what measurable economic outcomes were being delivered with the resources available to government.
He challenged the administration to provide evidence of sustainable private-sector jobs created, industries established, improvements in the business environment and infrastructure developed to support economic activity.
He also questioned the extent of progress in healthcare and education, as well as the state’s ability to create enough opportunities for young people who might otherwise relocate to Lagos, Abuja or other countries.
The NDC candidate further questioned the benefits of Governor Oborevwori’s political realignment from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All-Progressives Congress (APC).
Iyovwaye recalled the explanation that greater political alignment with the Federal Government could improve Delta State’s access to federal resources and development opportunities.
He argued that if such alignment was intended to produce tangible benefits for the state, those benefits should ultimately be visible in the lives of Deltans.If the rationale for political alignment is improved access to federal resources, Deltans should be able to see the impact in their daily lives,” Iyovwaye said.
He maintained that governments should be assessed primarily through policy outcomes and their impact on citizens rather than party affiliation.
Iyovwaye acknowledged reported investments by the Oborevwori administration in roads, bridges, human-capital development and other areas.
However, he argued that the size of government spending should not, by itself, be treated as proof of economic transformation.
The NDC candidate said the key questions should include how many sustainable jobs had been created, how many new industries had emerged, whether businesses were finding it easier to operate and whether infrastructure was supporting productive economic activity.
He also called for measurable evidence of improvements in healthcare and education.
His position is that the 2027 election should provide an opportunity for Deltans to examine competing records and policy proposals before deciding which candidate to support.
Iyovwaye has also said he intends to engage directly with traditional institutions and formally request an audience with the Ukoko R’Ivie R’Urhobo to present his vision for Delta State.
He said traditional rulers should have the opportunity to hear from all serious contenders, while Deltans should also have access to the competing programmes and visions of candidates.
In his statement, Iyovwaye reaffirmed his respect for the traditional institution and Governor Oborevwori’s right to seek another term, while stressing that voters would ultimately cast the ballots that determine the election.
He also declared that he would continue his campaign peacefully and would not withdraw from the 2027 governorship race.
