Delta South Rebirth Movement Launched in Warri to Boost APC Fortunes Ahead of 2027 Elections

 

A new political advocacy group, the Delta South Rebirth Movement (DSRM), was formally launched on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, in Warri, marking a strategic push to consolidate support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Delta South Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The inaugural meeting took place at the prestigious Warri Club in Warri South Local Government Area, drawing key stakeholders, political actors, and grassroots leaders from across the district. The event underscored the group's determination to address longstanding issues of representation, unity, and development in one of Delta State's most ethnically diverse and resource-rich regions.

Protem Coordinator of DSRM, Deacon Andrew Megbele, PhD, who presided over the launch, described the formation of the movement as a response to an urgent need to recalibrate political participation and leadership in Delta South. He emphasized that the district—comprising eight local government areas: Warri South, Warri North, Warri South-West, Bomadi, Burutu, Ughelli South, Isoko South, and Patani—has immense untapped potential hampered by fragmented representation and uneven development.

Dr. Megbele highlighted the unique socio-economic challenges facing the area, including oil-related environmental degradation, youth unemployment, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to basic services despite its contribution to national revenue through crude oil production. "The primary objective of the Delta South Rebirth Movement is to promote purposeful representation that directly responds to these unique challenges," he stated. The group aims to foster unity among the diverse ethnic groups—Itsekiri, Ijaw, Urhobo, Isoko, and others—while accelerating both physical infrastructure and human capital development.

Despite ethnic differences, Dr. Megbele pointed out that the people of Delta South share deep cultural affinities, economic interdependence, and a history of resilience in the face of adversity. "These shared attributes provide a strong foundation for unity," he noted. "DSRM will spearhead advocacy for the unity of Delta South, harnessing them to strengthen political leadership and ensure equitable representation at all levels."

The movement's formation is explicitly tied to the APC platform. Dr. Megbele explained that the initiative brings together critical stakeholders and grassroots political actors within the party to create a cohesive force. He reaffirmed DSRM's unwavering loyalty to the APC and pledged full support for all party candidates in the 2027 elections, including President Bola Tinubu (should he seek re-election) and other aspirants at federal, state, and local levels.

This launch comes at a pivotal moment for the APC in Delta State. The party has gained significant momentum following the defection of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC in late 2025. This shift has dramatically altered the political landscape in the "Big Heart" State, positioning the APC as the ruling party with incumbency advantages, control of state resources, and endorsements from influential figures including former governors James Onanefe Ibori, Emmanuel Uduaghan, and Ifeanyi Okowa. In October 2025, the Delta APC unanimously adopted President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori as sole candidates for 2027, signaling internal consolidation efforts.

However, challenges remain. Analysts note that while the APC now wields state power, integrating former PDP loyalists and managing godfather influences could create internal frictions. In Delta South specifically, the senatorial district has historically been competitive, with representation often influenced by ethnic dynamics and oil politics. The DSRM's emergence is seen as an attempt to unify APC forces in the zone, mobilize voters across its 68 wards, and secure a strong performance in future polls.

To achieve its goals, the movement outlined an ambitious roadmap. Plans include extensive stakeholder consultations, leadership engagements, and intensive grassroots mobilization across all eight local government areas. These activities will involve town hall meetings, door-to-door campaigns, youth and women empowerment programs, and advocacy on key issues such as environmental remediation, job creation, education, and infrastructure upgrades.

Dr. Megbele stressed that the strategy is designed not only to build party loyalty but to ensure a "strong and victorious outing for the APC in 2027 and beyond." By focusing on unity and purposeful leadership, DSRM hopes to bridge divides that have sometimes weakened progressive forces in the district and position the APC as the preferred platform for addressing local aspirations within the national Renewed Hope Agenda.

The launch has generated interest among political observers in Delta State, who view it as part of broader realignments in the South-South geopolitical zone. With the APC strengthening its foothold following high-profile defections and endorsements, groups like DSRM could play a crucial role in translating state-level gains into senatorial and local victories.

As Nigeria approaches the 2027 electoral cycle, such movements highlight the evolving strategies of parties to consolidate support in key districts. For Delta South, the Rebirth Movement represents both a call for renewal and a calculated effort to harness the district's diversity and resources for greater political influence and development.

The group's commitment to APC loyalty positions it as a key player in the party's southern Delta strategy, potentially influencing candidate selections, voter turnout, and issue-based campaigns in the lead-up to the polls.