ISOKO AGOG AS DELTA APC FLAGS Off 2027 CAMPAIGN FOR TINUBU, OBOREVWORI

The Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday formally flagged off its 2027 election campaign in the Isoko nation with a massive rally in Oleh, Isoko South Local Government Area, as party leaders, elected officials and thousands of supporters declared their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other APC candidates.

The rally marked a significant step in the party's mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections, providing an opportunity to showcase the achievements of the Oborevwori administration, explain the benefits of Delta State's political realignment with the APC and renew calls for a strong electoral mandate for the party.

With an impressive turnout of party faithful and supporters from across Delta State, the rally demonstrated the APC's expanding political organisation in the State and its determination to consolidate the support base created by recent political realignments.

Addressing the gathering in Oleh, Governor Oborevwori explained that Delta State's decision to join the APC was a carefully considered political decision, reached after extensive consultations with stakeholders and driven by the need to strengthen the State's relationship with the Federal Government.

He maintained that political alignment with the government at the centre offered Delta greater opportunities for cooperation, access to federal programmes and accelerated development, stressing that the ultimate consideration was the welfare and prosperity of the people.

The governor commended President Tinubu for his economic reforms, noting that the improved revenue allocations to States and local governments had enhanced their capacity to meet financial obligations and execute development projects.

He cited the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as a practical example of the benefits of federal intervention, disclosing that no fewer than 17,500 students from Delta State had benefited from the scheme. He urged more eligible students to take advantage of the initiative to pursue their educational aspirations.

Turning to the record of his administration, Oborevwori highlighted the progress being made under the MORE Agenda, which focuses on Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security.

He said his administration had maintained a strong focus on infrastructure development, education, healthcare and other critical sectors, with projects and programmes designed to improve the quality of life across the 25 local government areas.

The governor reaffirmed that his government was committed to practical development rather than promises, pointing to ongoing road construction and rehabilitation, investments in public education, improvements in healthcare delivery and initiatives aimed at creating opportunities for young people and other vulnerable groups.

He also disclosed that the State Executive Council had approved the construction of police divisional headquarters in all 25 local government areas. The initiative, he explained, was part of the administration's preparations to support the proposed establishment of State police and strengthen security architecture at the grassroots.

Oborevwori urged party members to take ownership of the campaign by carrying the message of the administration's development record to every ward, community and polling unit. He stressed that the task ahead required unity, commitment and effective grassroots mobilisation.

At the Ozoro rally, the governor renewed his appeal to the Isoko people to support the APC, emphasising the importance of sustaining the development direction of his administration and strengthening the state's relationship with the Federal Government.

He also appealed to the people to honour their daughter, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, his wife and an indigene of Isoko Nation, by giving their support to the party and its candidates.

In an emotional appeal, Deaconess Oborevwori urged the people to participate actively in the electoral process and use their votes to support the APC.

"Your vote is your voice, your strength and your weapon. Use it to vote for APC," she declared, drawing loud applause from the crowd.

Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, reinforced the governor's message, highlighting the administration's investments in road infrastructure, healthcare and education. He urged the people to sustain their support for the Oborevwori administration and the APC, noting that continuity would provide an opportunity to consolidate ongoing development efforts.

Former Governor of Delta State and former Vice-President of Nigeria, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, challenged party leaders and members to intensify mobilisation and work towards securing more than two million votes for President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori in 2027.

He emphasised that the party's objective must extend beyond the presidential and governorship elections to include victories in all legislative contests, urging members to close ranks and work collectively towards that goal.

The Director-General of the Delta APC Campaign Council, Senator James Manager, acknowledged the economic challenges facing Nigerians but appealed for patience and confidence in the Federal Government's reform programme. He expressed optimism that the policies being implemented would deliver broader economic benefits as they matured.

The APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, commended the impressive turnout at the rallies, describing the atmosphere as comparable to the party's national campaign activities. He explained that President Tinubu's reforms were intended to address longstanding structural weaknesses in the economy and establish a foundation for sustainable growth.

Other party leaders reinforced the mobilisation message. The Coordinator of the Isoko South Campaign Council, Hon. Itiako Ikpokpo, and the Coordinator of the Isoko North Campaign Council, Hon. Oviemuno Oghoore, called on voters to unite behind the APC and support all its candidates.

Representing Burutu Federal Constituency, Hon. Julius Pondi commended Governor Oborevwori's commitment to youth empowerment and inclusive appointments, while Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, representing Ethiope Federal Constituency, expressed confidence in the support of women across the State.

Prominent party figures, including former Delta APC governorship candidate, Olorogun O'tega Emerhor; Chief Ovuozourie Macaulay; and Ovie Umuakpor, also pledged their commitment to the party's electoral aspirations.

Adding to the development-focused message of the rallies, Chief Solomon Ogba highlighted major federal projects expected to benefit the Isoko area, including the proposed Federal Medical Centre in Oleh and the planned dualisation of the Oleh Roundabout-Iyede Road. He described the projects as important interventions that would improve healthcare access, connectivity and economic activities in the area.

A major highlight of the rallies was the formal presentation of APC flags to the party's candidates, signalling the commencement of their campaign activities and the party's determination to secure representation at all levels.

The candidates presented included Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas for Delta South Senatorial District; Hon. Jonathan Ukodhiko for Isoko Federal Constituency; Hon. Lucky Idhove and Hon. Ferguson Onwo for Isoko South Constituencies I and II; and Engr. Orobosa Ashakah and Chief Frank Ozue for Isoko North Constituencies I and II.

Presenting the flags, APC State Chairman, Chief Solomon Arenyeka, charged the candidates and party faithful to work tirelessly for victory, stressing the importance of effective coordination, party discipline and grassroots engagement.

For Governor Oborevwori, the rallies provided an opportunity to connect his administration's development record with the political message of the APC. His central argument was that Delta's alignment with the ruling party at the centre should translate into stronger cooperation, greater development opportunities and improved delivery of public services.

The Oleh and Ozoro rallies therefore brought together two important strands of the APC's 2027 campaign in Delta: the Tinubu administration's reform agenda at the national level and the Oborevwori administration's MORE Agenda at the state level.

As the party takes its campaign to other parts of the state, its task will be to sustain the mobilisation, maintain unity among its various political interests and demonstrate how the policies and programmes of both administrations can translate into tangible benefits for Deltans.

For the Delta APC, the message from Isoko was clear: the 2027 campaign will be built around political consolidation, continuity of development programmes and a renewed push to secure support for President Tinubu, Governor Oborevwori and all APC candidates.