The Ijaw nation in Delta State on Wednesday formally endorsed President Bola Ahmed 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 in Bomadi, attracted a broad spectrum 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 support of both leaders for a second term.
The motion was seconded by Delta State House of Assembly member Oboro Preyor and subsequently put to a voice vote by the Speaker, Emomotimi Guwor, where it received unanimous approval.
As part of the ceremony, Governor Oborevwori was conferred with the traditional title Izonebimiewei (meaning “the man that does good”) by the Delta Ijaw Traditional Rulers Forum, in recognition of his administration’s developmental efforts across Ijaw communities.
Addressing the gathering, Oborevwori, who expressed appreciation for the honour, describing it as one of the highest recognitions he had received, disclosed that his administration had invested over N400 billion in infrastructural development across Ijaw areas, covering roads, bridges, schools, and healthcare facilities.
He highlighted key projects including the Bomadi–Gbaregolor Road, 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.
The governor reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive governance, assuring that no ethnic group in the state would be marginalised. He also acknowledged the Ijaw nation’s support during the 2023 governorship election and subsequent legal challenges.
“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.
In his remarks, Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, commended Oborevwori’s infrastructural strides, particularly in riverine areas, noting that terrain should no longer be a barrier to development. He urged the Ijaw people to remain united to enhance their political relevance.
President of the INC, Benjamin Okaba, described the event as a strategic platform to appreciate the governor’s performance and strengthen ties between the Ijaw nation and the Delta State Government. While acknowledging ongoing projects, he called for further investments in roads, bridges, healthcare, and education.
Speaker Guwor noted that the endorsement reflected the governor’s visible achievements in Ijaw communities, citing multiple infrastructure projects and institutional developments as evidence of his administration’s commitment.
The event witnessed a large turnout of political leaders, traditional rulers, youth groups, and women organisations, highlighting what stakeholders described as a rare unity of purpose within the Ijaw nation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
