The Ijaw nation in Delta State on Wednesday formally endorsed President Bola Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for re-election in 2027, in what marked the highlight of a grand reception held in honour of the governor.
The event, organised by the Ijaw National Congress (INC) worldwide, took place in Bomadi and attracted a large gathering of political leaders, traditional rulers, stakeholders, and members of the Ijaw nation from across Delta State and beyond.
The endorsement followed a motion moved by the member representing Burutu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Julius Pondi, calling for the Ijaw people to support both Tinubu and Oborevwori for a second term in office.
The motion was seconded by a member of the Delta State House of Assembly, Oboro Preyor, and subsequently put to a voice vote by the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor. It was unanimously adopted by the gathering.
As part of the ceremony, Governor Oborevwori was conferred with the traditional title of Izonebimiewei (meaning “the man that does good”) by the Delta Ijaw Traditional Rulers Forum. The honour was in recognition of what was described as his administration’s significant developmental strides across Ijaw communities.
Addressing the crowd, Oborevwori expressed gratitude for the recognition and endorsement, describing it as one of the highest honours he had received. He assured the people of his continued commitment to development and inclusive governance.
The governor revealed that his administration has so far invested over N400 billion in infrastructural development across Ijaw areas, including the construction of roads, bridges, schools, and healthcare facilities.
He highlighted key projects such as the Bomadi–Gbaregolor Road, the Ohoror-Bomadi Road, Oporoza township roads, internal roads in Patani and Ogulagha, as well as the ongoing Ayakoromo Bridge. According to him, these projects are part of deliberate efforts to improve connectivity and open up riverine communities.
Oborevwori reiterated that his administration would not sideline any ethnic group in the state, emphasizing that development would continue to be inclusive.
“I remain grateful for the unwavering support of the Ijaw people, which strengthened me through challenging times. This endorsement is deeply appreciated and will not be taken for granted,” he said.
He also acknowledged the support of the Ijaw nation during the 2023 governorship election and the legal battles that followed, noting that their backing played a crucial role in his eventual victory.
In his remarks, Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, commended Oborevwori for his infrastructural achievements, particularly in riverine communities. He noted that the challenging terrain of the Niger Delta should no longer be seen as a barrier to development.
Diri called on the Ijaw people to remain united, stressing that unity would strengthen their political influence and ensure their voices are heard at all levels of governance.
Also speaking, the President of the INC, Benjamin Okaba, described the event as a strategic platform to appreciate the governor’s performance and deepen collaboration between the Ijaw nation and the Delta State Government.
Okaba acknowledged several landmark projects executed by the administration and urged the government to prioritise additional infrastructure, including roads, bridges, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions in Ijaw communities.
Earlier, Speaker Emomotimi Guwor said the endorsement reflected the governor’s visible achievements in Ijaw areas. He cited ongoing road projects and institutional development as clear evidence of the administration’s commitment to the region.
The event recorded a massive turnout of political stakeholders, traditional rulers, youth groups, and women organisations, reflecting what observers described as a rare show of unity among the Ijaw people.
Analysts say the endorsement could have significant political implications ahead of the 2027 general elections, as it signals growing support for both Tinubu and Oborevwori within the oil-rich Niger Delta region.
