Delta 2027: Oghenesivbe Urges Grassroots Strategy, Says Elections Are Won at Polling Units
The Director General of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, has called on political appointees and party stakeholders to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 governorship election, stressing that electoral victory begins at the polling unit level.
Oghenesivbe made this known during a presentation at the Delta State Political Appointees Conference held on Thursday at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, with the theme “Operation Deliver Your Unit.”
Addressing participants, he said the concept was not merely a campaign slogan but a strategic framework for winning elections through coordinated grassroots efforts. “Elections are not won in Abuja, Asaba, or party secretariats; they are won at the polling unit,” he stated.
According to him, delivering a polling unit entails identifying supporters, engaging undecided voters, ensuring voter turnout, and protecting votes throughout the electoral process.
He emphasised that success at the polling unit level ultimately determines outcomes at the ward, local government, and state levels.
Oghenesivbe noted that effective grassroots engagement requires direct interaction with voters through door-to-door sensitisation, community meetings, and collaboration with local influencers, including traditional leaders, youth groups, and women organisations.
He further highlighted the need for strong organisational structures at the unit level, including clearly defined roles for coordinators, mobilisation teams, and party agents, to ensure efficiency and unity of purpose.
On election day, he stressed the importance of early mobilisation, adequate logistics, and vigilance to safeguard votes, adding that proper documentation and monitoring of results remain critical to preventing irregularities.
The Director General also underscored the importance of maintaining effective communication channels from polling units to ward and local government levels to enable rapid response to challenges. Speaking on the role of political appointees, Oghenesivbe urged them to take on greater responsibility by adopting specific polling units and being directly accountable for electoral outcomes in those areas.
He said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, has provided leadership and delivered governance, adding that it is the responsibility of all political Appointees and party supporters to convert that performance into votes at the grassroots.
“It’s therefore very important for us to always highlight the governor’s achievements and numerous national and regional Awards during door-to-door and other local campaigns at Unit, Ward and LGA levels.
“Let me be very direct: If you cannot deliver your polling unit, you cannot claim political relevance,” he said.
He pointed out that appointees must go beyond administrative duties to actively mobilise voters, support party structures, counter misinformation, and provide necessary logistical support within legal limits. “Political relevance must be measured by impact at the grassroots, not by title or position,” he added.
Oghenesivbe also pointed to the unique political landscape of Delta State, noting that its diverse ethnic and social composition requires tailored strategies that reflect local realities. He concluded by calling for discipline, coordination, and commitment among stakeholders, stressing that victory in the 2027 governorship election would depend on deliberate planning and effective execution at the grassroots.
IOM Begins Capacity-Building Programme for Key Stakeholders in Delta
He commended the organisers of the conference, particularly Dr (Barrister) Tareri Avwomakpa, for a job well done. He also stressed the need for sustained synergy between political appointees and party leaders to achieve the 2027 electioneering goals.
The conference attracted political appointees, party leaders, and grassroots mobilisers from across the state, with a focus on strategies to strengthen political structures and enhance voter engagement ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Dignitaries at the event included the Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Hon Prince Johnson Erijo; the State Party Chairman, Chief Solomon Areyinka, represented by the State Party Secretary, Chief Efe Uko; the Distinguished Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Chief Ede Dafinone; the APC State Deputy Chairman (Delta Central), Chief Paulinus Akpeki; the Chief Adviser to the Governor, Chief Dr Ighoyota Amori, represented by Mr Joelson Wilson, and the Chief Policy Adviser to the Governor and Delta State Coordinator of Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Rt Hon Funkekeme Solomon, among others.
