By Wilfred Latimore Oghenesivbe, Esq.
The Isoko Nation has reaffirmed its support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori, ahead of the 2027 general elections, in a political development that has added to ongoing consultations and realignments across Delta State.
The endorsement was reiterated during a grand reception organised in honour of Governor Oborevwori and his wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, at Isoko House, Oleh, Delta State.
At the colourful ceremony, the governor was conferred with the prestigious traditional title of Orhuerevwo (Developer of Isoko Nation), while his wife received the title of Ododo (Beautiful Flower) in recognition of her cultural heritage and relationship with the Isoko people.
The occasion attracted traditional rulers, political leaders, captains of industry and prominent sons and daughters of Isoko Nation, reflecting the significance attached to the governor’s visit and the political engagement between the state government and the Isoko people.
Beyond the ceremonial activities, the reception provided an opportunity for the Isoko Nation to articulate its development expectations and reaffirm its political relationship with the Oborevwori administration and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, an illustrious daughter of Isoko Nation, was particularly celebrated, making the event a symbolic homecoming that further highlighted the cultural and family connections between the governor’s household and the people.
Governor Oborevwori’s administration has consistently identified its governance priorities through the MORE Agenda, which represents Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms and Enhanced Peace and Security.
Since assuming office in May 2023, the administration has pursued various programmes covering infrastructure development, economic empowerment, education, healthcare, workers’ welfare and social protection.
One of the administration’s major areas of intervention has been road infrastructure. Among the notable projects are the 46-kilometre Ughelli-Asaba Road dualisation, Kwale-Beneku Bridge and approach roads, Okpanam-Ibusa bypass and several other strategic road projects across the state.
The state government also announced 42 completed road projects for inauguration during its second anniversary celebrations in May 2025. The reconstruction of the Emu-Obodeti-Abbi-Abraka Road, reported completed in February 2026, further features among the administration’s infrastructure interventions.
The governor’s urban renewal programme has equally attracted attention, particularly through the construction of flyovers at PTI Junction, DSC Roundabout and Enerhen Junction, alongside projects at Otovwodo Junction and Uromi Junction.
These interventions are aimed at addressing traffic congestion, improving transportation and supporting commercial activities, especially within the Warri-Effurun metropolitan area.
Another significant project is the Trans-Warri-Ode-Itsekiri Road, which includes 15 bridges and access roads connecting riverine communities. Governor Oborevwori disclosed at the Isoko reception that the project had been completed and was awaiting commissioning.
In the education sector, the development of Southern Delta University, Ozoro, remains particularly important to the Isoko people. The expansion of facilities at the institution, alongside investments in the University of Delta, Agbor, and the Model Technical College at Omadino, reflects the administration’s attention to tertiary education and technical skills development.
These initiatives are expected to expand educational opportunities, strengthen human capital development and provide young people with improved access to learning and technical training.
Healthcare delivery, workers’ welfare and social protection also constitute important components of the MORE Agenda.
Through various interventions, including the Delta Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (D-CARES) programme, the administration has extended support to vulnerable citizens, women, young entrepreneurs and disadvantaged groups.
In his 2026 Budget Address, Governor Oborevwori disclosed that 307,600 beneficiaries had received assistance through the D-CARES programme, highlighting the scale of the state’s social protection intervention.
For the Isoko Nation, however, one of the most significant aspects of the Oleh reception was the opportunity to present specific community development demands to the governor.
The President-General of the Isoko Development Union (IDU), Prof. Chris Akpotu, deserves recognition for articulating the aspirations of the people through constructive engagement with the state government.
His appeal for the construction of the road linking the IDU Secretariat to Olomoro and Iwride-Iyede, as well as the restoration of electricity supply across Isoko communities, highlighted infrastructure challenges requiring government attention.
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Governor Oborevwori, in his response, assured the people that their concerns would receive attention.
He explained that the electricity challenges were partly connected to the vandalisation of the Ughelli-Ozoro transmission line, while expressing the administration’s commitment to addressing the situation.
The governor also warned that the contract for the Ellu-Ovrode-Ofagbe Ring Road could be revoked if the contractor failed to complete the project within the first quarter of 2027.
His directive to contractors handling ongoing projects to accelerate construction during the dry season further underscored the importance of timely project delivery and accountability.
The position adopted by the Isoko Development Union demonstrates the importance of constructive engagement between community organisations and government institutions.
Political support, in a democratic setting, should coexist with legitimate demands for infrastructure, electricity, education, healthcare and other essential public services.
Under Prof. Akpotu’s leadership, the IDU has continued to provide a platform for communicating the aspirations of the Isoko people while maintaining engagement with relevant government authorities.
The political implications of the endorsement also extend beyond Isoko land. Governor Oborevwori stated that the Isoko, Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic groups in Delta South had endorsed him and President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.
The participation of traditional institutions further underscored the importance of community leadership in political consultations and engagements.
Among the prominent traditional rulers present were the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, HRM Major General Felix Mujakperuo (retd.), and the Pere of Akugbene-Mein, HRM Luke S.P. Kalanama VIII. The Odiologbo of Owhe Kingdom, HRM Romanus Inana Okpuzo, also reaffirmed the support of traditional rulers.
Former Senate Chief Whip, Senator Stella Omu, equally highlighted the importance of women’s participation in the political process, pledging to mobilise Isoko women in support of Tinubu, Oborevwori and other APC candidates in 2027.
The participation of women in grassroots political activities remains an important feature of democratic mobilisation, particularly in communities where women play significant roles in social organisation and community development.
The relationship between Governor Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda and President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda also featured prominently in the political discussions surrounding the endorsement.
The alignment between the Delta State Government and the Federal Government provides an additional framework for cooperation in infrastructure development, economic interventions and other areas of governance.
As the 2027 general elections approach, the Isoko endorsement adds another dimension to the political consultations taking place across Delta State. However, the eventual electoral outcome will depend on the decisions of voters and the broader political developments leading to the elections.
For Governor Oborevwori, sustaining public confidence will require continued attention to infrastructure delivery, inclusive governance and the fulfilment of commitments made to communities across the state.
In particular, the Oleh-Olomoro-Iwride-Iyede road, restoration of electricity across Isoko communities and completion of the Ellu-Ovrode-Ofagbe Ring Road remain among the expectations articulated during the reception.
The Isoko people have demonstrated their willingness to maintain a political relationship with the state government, while the governor has reiterated his commitment to addressing their development concerns.
The recognition of Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori as Ododo of Isoko Nation also added a significant cultural dimension to the event, celebrating her ancestral connections and strengthening the relationship between the governor’s family and the Isoko people.
The leadership of the Isoko Development Union, particularly Prof. Chris Akpotu and his executive, deserves commendation for facilitating an occasion that brought together traditional rulers, political leaders, captains of industry and other stakeholders in an atmosphere of unity and community engagement.
Ultimately, the Isoko Nation’s endorsement represents a notable political development ahead of the 2027 general elections. It reflects the position expressed by the community’s leaders and adds to the growing political conversations surrounding the re-election bids of President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori.
For the governor, the task ahead is to sustain the confidence expressed by the Isoko people through responsive governance, accountability and the delivery of projects that directly address the needs of communities.
As political activities gradually gather momentum towards 2027, the Oleh reception will remain an important reference point in discussions about political alignment, community expectations and the evolving political landscape of Delta State.
Wilfred Latimore Oghenesivbe, Esq., is the Director-General, Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, Governor’s Office, Asaba, and a member of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN).