NDC candidate challenges Oborevwori’s ‘sole candidate’ endorsement, demands accountability for Delta’s resources
Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate for Delta State in the 2027 election, has challenged the endorsement of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori by Urhobo traditional rulers, insisting that no traditional endorsement can override the right of Deltans to choose their governor through the ballot box.
Iyovwaye stated this in a September 12, 2026, reaction to the communiqué issued by the Ukoko R’Ivie R’Urhobo, in which the forum of Urhobo traditional rulers expressed support for Oborevwori as the “sole candidate” of the Urhobo Nation for the 2027 governorship election.
While expressing respect for the traditional institution, Iyovwaye said traditional counsel and constitutional authority must be clearly distinguished.
He described traditional rulers as “sacred custodians” of the history, culture, customs and communal values of the people, but maintained that their endorsement cannot extinguish the democratic right of citizens to determine their political leaders.
“As an Urhobo man, I deeply understand the value of unity. But Delta State belongs to all of us — Urhobo, Ijaw, Itsekiri, Isoko, Anioma, and every community that calls this state home,” he said.
According to him, the governorship is a trust sought from all Deltans and not a title that can be conferred through ethnic consensus.
Iyovwaye consequently urged voters to look beyond endorsements and assess what he described as the measurable performance of government.
“What exactly is being endorsed?” he asked, listing sustainable jobs for unemployed youths, industries established, businesses enabled to grow, reliable power and infrastructure, healthcare, education and economic diversification among the issues that should form part of the assessment.
He also questioned whether Delta State’s substantial public resources were producing corresponding improvements in the lives of its citizens.
Iyovwaye cited the state government’s 2026 budget proposal of ₦1.664 trillion and argued that the critical question should not merely be how much revenue the state receives, but what measurable economic transformation Deltans are receiving in return.
“The more important question is: ‘What measurable economic transformation are Deltans receiving in return for these substantial resources?’” he said.
The NDC candidate also drew attention to Governor Oborevwori’s political alignment with the All Progressives Congress (APC), arguing that the alignment should be judged by its tangible benefits to residents if it is being presented as an advantage to the state.
He said both the Federal Government and Delta State Government should be assessed by outcomes, including employment, industrial growth, infrastructure, healthcare, education, business opportunities and household welfare.
“Political alignment is not development.
“Budgets are not development.
“Contracts are not development.
“Development is measured by the extent to which government improves the lives and economic prospects of its people,” he said.
Iyovwaye acknowledged the administration’s reported investments in roads, bridges and other infrastructure, as well as its stated focus on human-capital development and economic growth.
However, he argued that expenditure alone should not be equated with transformation.
“A government can spend billions of naira and still leave fundamental questions unanswered,” he said, asking how many sustainable private-sector jobs had been created, how many industries were operating and employing Deltans, and how much stronger the state’s productive economy had become.
He said the 2027 governorship election should consequently be centred on performance, accountability, competence and vision rather than endorsements, personalities and political arrangements.
“That is the conversation I am bringing to Deltans under the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC),” he said.
Iyovwaye also said he would formally request an audience with the Ukoko R’Ivie R’Urhobo to present his vision directly and respectfully to the traditional rulers.
“I seek no confrontation with our traditional institutions,” he said, adding that traditional rulers deserved to hear from every serious contender, just as Deltans deserved the opportunity to hear and compare the visions of those seeking their mandate.
He maintained that performance should be the standard, development the measure and accountability non-negotiable.
“When Deltans step into the polling booth in 2027, it will not be a communiqué that marks their ballots.
“It will be their own judgement of character, competence, record and vision,” he said.
Iyovwaye reiterated his respect for the traditional rulers and Governor Oborevwori’s right to contest, while stressing what he described as the “sacred right” of every Deltan to choose.
“I will continue to campaign peacefully, constructively and firmly. I will not step down,” he declared.