ISOKO NATION THROWS WEIGHT BEHIND TINUBU, OBOREVWORI AHEAD OF 2027

The Isoko Nation has thrown its political weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori, endorsing their re-election bids in 2027 and signalling its confidence in the direction of governance at both the federal and state levels.

The endorsement was announced on Tuesday at a grand civic reception held at Isoko House, Oleh, in honour of Governor Oborevwori and his wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori. The event brought together traditional rulers, political leaders, business figures and prominent sons and daughters of Isoko Nation in a strong show of solidarity.

Beyond the political endorsement, the occasion was also an expression of appreciation for what community leaders described as the Governor's commitment to development across Delta State, particularly in Isoko land. In recognition of his contributions, the Isoko Nation conferred on him the traditional title of Orhuerevwo, meaning Developer of Isoko Nation. His wife received the title of Ododo, meaning Beautiful Flower, in appreciation of her support and service.

The President-General of the Isoko Development Union (IDU), Professor Chris Akpotu, said the Governor's leadership and development initiatives had strengthened the people's confidence in his administration. He noted that the progress recorded under the MORE Agenda was consistent with the development aspirations of the Isoko people and provided a basis for their support for President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.

Akpotu, however, drew attention to some outstanding needs of the area, particularly the road linking the IDU Secretariat to Olomoro and Iwride-Iyede, as well as the need for urgent intervention to restore stable electricity supply across Isoko communities.

Responding, Governor Oborevwori described the reception as a heartfelt homecoming and a demonstration of the confidence the Isoko people had placed in his administration. He expressed gratitude for the honours bestowed on him and his wife, assuring the people that their support would further strengthen his commitment to serving Delta State.

The Governor also pointed to the growing political alignment across Delta South, noting that the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Isoko ethnic nationalities had all declared support for his re-election and that of President Tinubu. He described this growing unity as an encouraging development and a reflection of a shared desire for continuity and progress.

On his administration's performance, Oborevwori reaffirmed his commitment to balanced development across the state, irrespective of ethnic, political or geographical differences. He cited ongoing and completed projects in different parts of Delta, including Phase II of the Emevor-Orogun Road, alongside interventions in education, healthcare and other critical sectors.

He also announced the completion of the long-awaited Trans-Warri Road project, including its 15 bridges, which he said was awaiting commissioning. The project, he noted, represented one of the major infrastructure achievements of his administration.

Confident in his government's record, the Governor said the 2027 election would be approached on the strength of achievements rather than promises.

"We have instruments to campaign. I have what to show. I have report cards," he declared.

On the requests presented by the Isoko Development Union, Oborevwori assured the people that the proposed Oleh-Olomoro-Iwride-Iyede Road would receive due consideration. He also acknowledged the electricity challenges affecting the area, explaining that the vandalisation of the Ughelli-Ozoro transmission line had contributed to the disruption of power supply. He said efforts were being made to restore the damaged infrastructure.

The Governor also used the occasion to send a clear message to contractors handling state projects, warning that his administration would not tolerate delays or poor performance. He specifically cautioned that the contract for the Ellu-Ovrode-Ofagbe Ring Road could be revoked if the contractor failed to complete the project by the end of the first quarter of 2027.

He directed contractors across the state to take full advantage of the dry season to accelerate work, stressing that firms that failed to meet their obligations would face appropriate sanctions.

Turning to the 2027 elections, Oborevwori urged the Isoko people to translate their endorsement into votes for President Tinubu, himself and all APC candidates, emphasising the importance of political unity and sustained support for the party.

The traditional institution and political leadership also lent their voices to the occasion. The Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, HRM Maj. Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (retd.), and the Pere of Akugbene-Mein Kingdom, HRM Luke S. P. Kalanama VIII, commended the Isoko Nation for demonstrating unity and urged its people to sustain the spirit of solidarity.

The Odiologbo of Owhe Kingdom, HRM Romanus Inana Okpuzo, reaffirmed the support of traditional institutions for the Governor's administration. Former Senate Chief Whip, Senator Stella Omu, also pledged the commitment of Isoko women to mobilising support for President Tinubu, Governor Oborevwori and other APC candidates in the forthcoming elections.

For the Isoko Nation, the reception was more than a celebration of the Governor and his wife. It was an opportunity to acknowledge ongoing development efforts, present the people's expectations and make a clear political statement ahead of 2027.

The endorsement by the Isoko people, coming alongside similar declarations by other ethnic nationalities in Delta South, adds to the growing political momentum behind the Tinubu and Oborevwori administrations. It also reinforces the importance of unity, inclusive development and continuity as the state moves towards another election cycle.