2027: Iyovwaye rejects monarchs’ endorsement of Oborevwori

Nkereuwem Effiong

The governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress in Delta State, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, has rejected the endorsement of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori by Urhobo traditional rulers, saying the choice of the next governor remains with voters across the state.

The Forum of Urhobo Traditional Rulers, known as Ukoko R’Ivie R’Urhobo, endorsed Oborevwori as the “sole candidate” of the Urhobo Nation for the 2027 governorship election at a meeting in September. The forum urged other Urhobo aspirants to set aside their ambitions and support the governor’s bid for a second term.

Iyovwaye, however, said the endorsement could not replace the electoral process or determine the choice of governor for the wider population of Delta State.

In a statement on Saturday, he said he respected the traditional rulers and their institutions but maintained that political authority ultimately rested with the electorate.

“The electorate alone has the authority to elect the Governor of Delta State through the ballot box,” he said.

Iyovwaye argued that an endorsement, regardless of who issued it, could not override the right of Deltans to choose their governor at the election.

The NDC candidate also challenged the idea that the governorship could be settled through an ethnic consensus, pointing to Delta’s diverse population, including Urhobo, Ijaw, Itsekiri, Isoko and Anioma communities.

“As an Urhobo man, I deeply understand the value of unity. But Delta State belongs to all of us,” he said.

“The governorship is a sacred trust sought from all Deltans, not a title conferred by an ethnic consensus.”

The monarchs had said their decision was driven by concerns over political tension, rivalry and alleged thuggery in Urhobo communities.

They described unity within the Urhobo Nation as essential and urged political aspirants to put aside individual ambitions in the interest of peace and cohesion.

Iyovwaye said the endorsement should instead encourage voters to scrutinise the performance of the incumbent administration and demand measurable results.

He questioned what Delta had achieved from its substantial revenues, urging voters to look beyond political alignments and assess the impact of government spending on jobs, infrastructure and public services.

“Expenditure is not the same thing as transformation,” he said, while acknowledging government investments in roads, bridges and other infrastructure.

He also questioned whether alignment with the Federal Government had translated into tangible benefits for residents.

“If alignment with the Federal Government is presented as an advantage, then the people are entitled to ask: Where are the measurable benefits?” he said.

Iyovwaye said the 2027 contest should therefore centre on the records, policies and programmes of the candidates rather than endorsements and political arrangements.

He said he would continue campaigning across the state and would not withdraw from the race.

“Performance must be the standard. Development must be the measure. Accountability must be non-negotiable. And the people must remain the final judge,” he said.