2027 Governorship: ADC Urges Deltans To Back Ogboru, Rescue State

As activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, the African Democratic Congress ADC, Delta State Chapter has urged Deltans to back the governorship candidate of the party, Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru to restore hope to a beleaguered state.

The Delta State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Fred Akpewe made the call during an interactive session with Deltans at Abuja briefly after a condolence visit led by Chief Great Ogboru to commiserate with the former Governor of River state and vice presidential candidate of ADC, His Excellency Rotimi Amaechi over the demise of his mother, Dame Ezzine Mary Amaechi.

The spokesman of the party has said that for many Deltans, the 2027 governorship election represents more than another electoral contest, stating that it is an opportunity to reassess the state’s developmental trajectory and decide whether the status quo remains or a new direction is needed. He said in this context, the governorship bid of Great Ogboru has become a focal point of discussion among those who believe Delta State can pursue a different path.

Akpewe reiterated that nearly two decades that the PDP/APC has been in power, Deltans have not seen any visible signs of progress. Many communities in Isoko, Ndokwa and Aniocha still grapple with acute electricity challenges. Many communities are without potable water. Yet , these are the irreducible minimum when we talk about development.

He said, “Many families struggle to send their children to school whilst access to health care remain limited due to high costs. Despite its abundant oil and gas resources, fertile agricultural land, and vibrant human capital, Delta State continues to grapple with persistent challenges.

“Many citizens express concerns about unemployment, deteriorating infrastructure in some communities, insecurity, limited industrial growth, and the rising cost of living. These realities have fueled calls for leadership that can unlock the state’s full potential.

“Supporters of Great Ogboru argue that his long-standing involvement in Delta politics demonstrates resilience, consistency, and an enduring commitment to public service. Over the years, he has remained a recognizable political figure whose message has consistently centered on economic revitalization, accountable governance, and inclusive development.

“One of the strongest arguments advanced by his supporters is that Delta State requires a leadership style that places productivity above politics. They envision an administration that prioritizes job creation through industrial expansion, agricultural modernization, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, and policies that attract private investment.

“Education and healthcare are also expected to feature prominently in such a vision. A prosperous Delta State, they argue, must invest in quality schools, equip healthcare facilities, empower teachers and medical professionals, and ensure that development reaches both urban centres and rural communities.

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“Equally important is the issue of transparency and prudent management of public resources. Citizens increasingly expect governments to demonstrate accountability, strengthen public institutions, and ensure that every naira allocated to development delivers measurable benefits. These expectations will confront any administration that assumes office in 2027.

“Another area frequently highlighted is infrastructure. Improved road networks, reliable electricity, potable water, digital connectivity, and modern public facilities are widely regarded as essential foundations for sustainable economic growth and improved quality of life.

“The 2027 election therefore presents voters with an important democratic choice. While different political parties and candidates will advance competing visions for Delta State, supporters of Great Ogboru believe he offers an alternative that deserves careful consideration.

“Ultimately, elections are decided by the people. Whatever choice Deltans make should be guided by competence, integrity, experience, and a clear roadmap for development rather than partisan sentiment alone.

“If voters conclude that a change in leadership offers the best prospect for accelerated growth and improved governance, then 2027 could mark the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Delta State.

“For many who support Great Ogboru’s aspiration, that chapter represents not merely a political transition, but a chance to restore hope, renew public confidence, and build a Delta State where the benefits of development are more broadly shared by all citizens.”

ADC State Pub Sec Fred Akpevwe: The COST OF 27 YEARS OF ONE POLITICAL ESTABLISHMENT IN DELTA STATE

For nearly three decades, Delta State has been governed by the same political establishment. Since 1999, power has largely remained within one dominant political structure, creating one of Nigeria’s longest-running political monopolies. While continuity can sometimes provide stability, it can also breed complacency, reduce competition, and weaken accountability. The experience of Delta State raises an important question: what has been the true cost of 27 years under one political establishment?

The first cost is the weakening of democratic competition. Democracy flourishes when parties and leaders compete vigorously on ideas, policies, and performance. Where one political establishment dominates for decades, elections can become less about accountability and more about maintaining an existing order. Citizens may gradually lose confidence that elections can produce meaningful change.

A second cost is the entrenchment of patronage politics. Long years in power often create extensive political networks where loyalty to individuals or groups may become more rewarding than merit and innovation. Critics have argued that such systems can discourage fresh ideas and limit opportunities for capable individuals outside the dominant establishment.

Another concern is the persistence of developmental gaps despite substantial public resources. Delta State has benefited from significant oil revenues and federal allocations over the years. Yet many citizens continue to express concerns about unemployment, healthcare, educational quality, rural infrastructure, and economic diversification. Independent commentary and academic analyses have highlighted recurring debates over governance quality, public service delivery, transparency, and financial accountability in the state.

Political longevity can also reduce the urgency for reform. When leaders believe electoral dominance is virtually assured, the pressure to innovate, improve service delivery, or aggressively pursue institutional reforms may diminish. While successive administrations have implemented infrastructure projects and development programmes, opposition parties and analysts have argued that the pace and scope of progress have not always matched the state’s enormous potential and resources.

There is also the opportunity cost. Every election offers citizens a chance to compare competing visions for governance. When one establishment remains in control for decades, alternative policy ideas may never receive the opportunity to be tested in government. Whether such alternatives would perform better cannot be known unless voters are willing to evaluate them on their merits.

However, fairness requires acknowledging that longevity in office does not automatically equate to failure. Successive governments have undertaken road construction, educational initiatives, healthcare projects, and other development efforts. The appropriate assessment is therefore not whether nothing has been achieved, but whether the achievements are commensurate with 27 years of uninterrupted political control and the substantial financial resources available to the state.

Ultimately, the central issue is accountability rather than party identity. Democracy works best when governments know that continued public support depends on measurable performance. After 27 years under one political establishment, many Deltans are asking whether continuity has delivered the level of prosperity, economic transformation, institutional strength, and quality of life that the state’s immense human and natural resources should have produced.

For nearly two decades, Chief Great Ogboru had striven to change this power monopoly which had led to impunities, corruption and developmental distortions. Chief Ogboru has now chosen the ADC as the platform to effect this change in 2027. Many Deltans believe that the time for Chief Ogboru has come as a reward for his consistency and tenacity as the leading opposition personality in the state.

The debate, therefore, is not simply about changing political parties. It is about whether a different governing philosophy, stronger accountability, renewed competition, and fresh leadership ideas might better position Delta State to realise its full potential in the years ahead.