Intrigues as Delta APC Officially Endorses Tinubu, Oborevwori as 2027 Presidential and Gubernatorial Candidates

Ahead the 2027 general elections, the Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Sunday, took a decisive step, officially endorsing President Bola Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as the party’s sole candidates for the presidential and gubernatorial seats, respectively.

BIGPEN NIGERIA ( https://bigpenngr.com) reports that the endorsement was made during an enlarged stakeholders’ meeting at the State Banquet Hall, Government House, Asaba, setting the stage for 2027 politicking in the oil-rich state.

The decision, driven by a motion moved by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, and seconded by former Delta State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, received a unanimous vote of confidence from the attending party leaders, lawmakers, local government chairmen, and key stakeholders across Delta’s three senatorial districts.

While the endorsement signals unity within the APC in Delta, it has also sparked underlying intrigue and political tension, particularly concerning the gubernatorial race.

Sheriff Oborevwori, the incumbent governor, has been affirmed as the party’s candidate; however, sources within the party reveal that other bigwigs in the party including former deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege among others are not fully aligned with the current endorsement.

Omo-Agege who was conspicuously absent from the enlarged stakeholders meeting is said to be eyeing the governorship seat. Sources revealed that some party chieftains have expressed concerns that the endorsement of the governor may limit internal democratic process.

However speaking at the meeting, Keyamo lauded President Tinubu’s “bold reforms and transformative leadership,” highlighting recent policy decisions such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the approval of billions for infrastructural projects, including the resuscitation of Warri port and major road constructions.

“Just two days ago, Mr. President approved $1 billion for resuscitation of the Warri port, and others. He also mentioned other key national projects, including the Lagos/Calabar coastal road and the rebuilding of Lagos Airport. These are direct results of subsidy removal savings. The President has proven to be a prudent manager and visionary leader,” Keyamo said.

He also commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his visionary leadership and for the massive infrastructural development across Delta State.

He therefore moved that “the Delta APC passes a vote of confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and adopts them as the party’s sole candidate for the 2027 general election.

Speaking, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei hailed Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori’s inclusive governance and developmental impact across Nigeria and Delta State, respectively, adding that “the people of Delta State and the South-South stand firmly behind the President and and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for their vision for a renewed Nigeria and Delta State.

Governor Oborevwori, meanwhile, expressed gratitude for the endorsement, reaffirming his commitment to continue development initiatives across Delta State. “The APC is growing stronger because of our unity and focus,” he stated, warning against disloyalty and urging party members to prioritize collective interests.

“I want to thank you for the confidence reposed on us and for accepting us as sole candidates in 2027. The APC is growing stronger by the day because more governors will join us before the end of November,” he said.

The Governor commended President Tinubu’s leadership, describing him as “a man who rewards loyalty, commitment, and results.”

“In 2027, our votes will be our report card. Those who claim to love the President must show it through the ballot. I won 21 out of 25 local governments in the last election because we worked and stayed loyal. That’s what real commitment means,” Oborevwori said.

The Governor warned against disloyalty within the party, stressing that some members who did not work for APC during the last elections had benefited unduly.

“Some in power today didn’t work for the APC, but we know them. When the time comes, we will expose them. This time, loyalty will be rewarded, not hypocrisy,” he declared.

He emphasized unity and collective decision-making, urging leaders to put the interest of the party above personal ambitions.

On governance, the Governor highlighted ongoing infrastructural projects across Delta State — including the ₦59 billion Uromi Junction flyover project, the ₦39 billion Ughelli Flyover, and the coming Tuesday groundbreaking of Warri/Sapele Road rehabilitation.

“This is the only state where contractors are not owed. We pay 40% mobilization upfront. That’s because we are managing resources efficiently, and the President’s reforms are yielding results,” Oborevwori said.

Immediate past Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, expressed delight at the gathering, describing the April 28, 2025 mass defection into the APC as “a turning point in the state’s political history.”

“Today, I can confidently say that joining the APC was the right step in the right direction. The party is now stronger, more united, and better positioned for victory in 2027,” Okowa said.

He praised President Tinubu’s economic decisions as “bold and necessary,” urging leaders to enlighten their constituents on the long-term benefits of current reforms.

Okowa commended Governor Oborevwori for uniting the party, saying his humility and inclusive leadership had strengthened Delta APC across all senatorial districts.

In his welcome address, APC State Chairman, Elder Omeni Sobotie, said Governor Oborevwori’s performance had made the party “formidable and unstoppable,” declaring that anyone who plans to contest against the Governor will meet a brick wall.

Chairman of APC Delta Central, Chief Paulinus Akpeki, described April 28 as a defining date when “vision met action,” pledging total unity and focus on victory.

From Delta North, Chief Adizue Eluaka and from Delta South, Austin Oribioye, both emphasized that the APC was more united now to win all elections.

Representing the National Assembly, Senator Ede Dafinone, Senator Ned Nwoko, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas and Hon. Nicholas Mutu declared that “there is no vacancy till 2031,” vowing to keep working in the interest of their constituents and the APC.

Prominent leaders including Olorogun O’tega Emerhor (Delta Central), Senator Peter Nwaoboshi (Delta North), and Senator James Manager (Delta South) jointly affirmed there was “no opposition to Governor Oborevwori in 2027,” pledging massive votes for him and the President.

ALGON representative and Bomadi Council Chairman, Hon. Dagidi Andaye, assured that all council chairmen were fully committed to the victory of the party in 2027.

Former National Women Leader, Hon. Stella Okotete, called for greater inclusion of women in the party’s structure, noting that “women account for over 51 percent of the voting population.”

Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, pledged the full support of all Assembly members for the Governor and the President, assuring continued delivery of democratic dividends.

Representing the Forum of LGA Party Chairmen, Mr. Nobert Akachukwu lauded the Governor’s leadership, saying the APC in Delta had been “renewed and re-energized for the MORE Agenda.”

The political atmosphere in Delta remains charged, with some party members questioning the timing and inclusivity of the endorsement.

As the party consolidates its support base, the coming months are expected to reveal how the internal dynamics will play out. For now, the APC in Delta is poised for what many see as a decisive push towards victory in the 2027 elections, even as questions about internal democracy linger.