Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has expressed confidence that the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, will not replicate his 2023 electoral success in Delta State during the 2027 general elections.
The governor made the assertion during an interview on Arise Television on Tuesday, where he discussed the political dynamics ahead of the next presidential election.
Oborevwori attributed Obi’s strong performance in Delta State during the 2023 presidential election to the support he received from sections of the Christian community and non-indigenous residents, particularly members of the Igbo community.
According to the governor, the political landscape in the state has since changed, noting that his administration has built stronger relationships with key groups that played significant roles in the previous election.
He stated that the Igbo community in Delta State has maintained a cordial working relationship with his administration and has continued to support efforts aimed at the development of the state.
The governor expressed optimism that the community would support the All Progressives Congress (APC) in future elections, emphasizing that they did not oppose his governorship bid and have remained partners in governance.
Oborevwori also highlighted the role of religious leaders, stating that many faith leaders were consulted and prayed for the success of his political move to the APC. He said he remains confident of their continued support as the 2027 elections approach.
The governor maintained that the factors that contributed to Obi’s victory in Delta State during the 2023 presidential election have been adequately addressed and are unlikely to produce the same outcome in the next electoral cycle.
Speaking during the interview, Oborevwori said:
“First and foremost, the Igbo community in Delta State that did that in 2023 never did it during my election, and we are on the same page.
“I’ve told them to vote party this time. They will not vote candidates; they will vote party because of the love they have for me.
“I have that confidence they will vote the APC.
“There are two factors that happened the other time; the Christian community and the Igbo, the non-indigenous residents; but I’ve been able to manage them. The Igbo and I are working together for the interest of the state.
“I also believe that what happened that time will not happen again.
“This is because the religious leaders, before I moved into the APC, we notified them for them to pray for us. So you cannot pray and curse. They have prayed.
“So when the time comes for election, I will still go back to them and say, ‘Fathers of faith, when I moved the other time, you prayed for us. For us to succeed, pray again for us to be victorious.'”
The remarks come as political parties and stakeholders continue to position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Delta State expected to remain one of the key battlegrounds in the South-South region.
