2027: Deltans, Not Traditional Rulers, Will Choose Next Governor — Iyovwaye

Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2027 Delta State governorship election, has said Deltans, rather than traditional rulers, will ultimately determine who becomes the next governor of the state.

Iyovwaye made the assertion in a statement dated September 12, 2026, reacting to the recent communiqué by the Ukoko R’Ivie R’Urhobo, in which Urhobo traditional rulers endorsed the incumbent Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, as the “sole candidate” of the Urhobo Nation for the 2027 election.

The NDC candidate said he held the traditional rulers and their institutions in high esteem, describing them as custodians of the history, culture, customs and communal values of the people.

However, he said there was a clear distinction between traditional counsel and constitutional authority, stressing that the electorate had the constitutional right to elect the governor through the ballot box.

“An endorsement, no matter how dignified its source, cannot supersede or extinguish Deltans’ democratic right to choose their leaders,” he said.

Iyovwaye, an Urhobo man, also called for unity among the various ethnic groups in Delta State, noting that the state belongs to Urhobo, Ijaw, Itsekiri, Isoko, Anioma and other communities.

He argued that the 2027 governorship should be determined by performance, accountability, competence and vision rather than ethnic endorsement or political arrangements.

The NDC candidate questioned what exactly was being endorsed, asking whether Deltans were endorsing sustainable jobs for youths, new industries, stronger businesses, reliable infrastructure, improved healthcare and education or a credible strategy to diversify the state’s economy beyond oil revenues.

He also raised questions about the state’s finances, citing the 2026 budget proposal of ₦1.664 trillion and asking what measurable economic transformation Deltans were receiving in return for the resources available to the government.

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According to him, the important question should no longer be how much revenue Delta State receives, but what tangible improvements the people are experiencing in their communities, businesses, farms, schools and hospitals.

Iyovwaye further challenged the political alignment between the Delta State Government and the APC-led Federal Government, saying that if the alignment had improved access to resources and governance outcomes, the benefits should be visible to ordinary Deltans.

He maintained that political alignment, budgets and government expenditure should not automatically be regarded as development.

“Development is measured by the extent to which government improves the lives and economic prospects of its people,” he said.

While acknowledging the state government’s reported investments in roads, bridges and other infrastructure, Iyovwaye said expenditure alone was not enough to establish that transformation had taken place.

He asked how many sustainable private-sector jobs had been created, how many industries were operating and employing Deltans, and what measurable progress had been made in healthcare, education and the business environment.

“These are not partisan questions. They are questions every responsible government should be prepared to answer,” he said.

Iyovwaye said the 2027 election should therefore be a referendum on performance and accountability, rather than merely endorsements, personalities or political arrangements.

He disclosed that he would formally request an audience with the Ukoko R’Ivie R’Urhobo to present his vision, stressing that traditional rulers deserved to hear directly from every serious contender for the leadership of the state.

He added that Deltans also deserved to hear and compare the programmes and visions of all candidates before making their choice.

“I respect our royal fathers. I respect Governor Oborevwori’s right to run. And above all, I respect the sacred right of every Deltan to choose,” Iyovwaye said.

He pledged to continue campaigning peacefully, constructively and firmly, declaring: “I WILL NOT STEP DOWN.”