The Ijaw nation in Delta State on Wednesday formally endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for re-election in 2027, in a major political development that highlighted a grand reception organised in honour of the governor.
The event, hosted by the Ijaw National Congress (worldwide) in Bomadi, attracted prominent 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, Hon. Julius Pondi, calling for the support of President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori for a second term in office.
The motion was seconded by a member of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Oboro Preyor, and was later subjected to a voice vote by the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor, after which it was unanimously adopted.
The ceremony also featured the conferment of the traditional title of Izonebimiewei meaning the man that does good of Delta State on Governor Oborevwori by the Delta Ijaw Traditional Rulers Forum in recognition of what was described as his developmental strides across Ijaw communities.
Addressing the large gathering, Governor Oborevwori expressed appreciation for the honour and the strong show of support, describing it as one of the highest recognitions he had received from his people.
He disclosed that his administration had so far spent over N400 billion on infrastructural development in Ijaw communities, covering roads, bridges, schools and healthcare facilities, while assuring that more projects would be delivered in the coming years.
The governor listed major projects in the area to include the Bomadi–Gbaregolor Road, the Ohoror-Bomadi Road, Oporoza township roads, internal roads in Patani and Ogulagha, as well as the ongoing Ayakoromo Bridge.
He said the projects were part of deliberate efforts to open up riverine communities and improve connectivity.
Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, stressing that no ethnic nationality in the state would be neglected.
He also appreciated the Ijaw nation for its support during the 2023 election campaigns and the legal battles that followed the governorship poll.
“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.
Also speaking, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, commended Oborevwori’s development efforts, particularly in riverine communities, noting that terrain should no longer be seen as a barrier to infrastructure delivery.
He urged the Ijaw people to remain united, saying unity of purpose would strengthen their political relevance and ensure their voices are heard at all levels of government.
President of the Ijaw National Congress, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, described the reception as a strategic platform to appreciate the governor’s performance and deepen collaboration between the Ijaw nation and the Delta State Government.
He acknowledged several landmark projects executed by the administration and called for more infrastructure, including roads, bridges, healthcare facilities and educational institutions in Ijaw areas.
Earlier, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor, said the endorsement reflected the governor’s visible achievements across Ijaw communities, citing road projects and institutional developments as proof of his commitment to the region.
The event witnessed a large turnout of political leaders, traditional rulers, youth groups and women organisations, underscoring what stakeholders described as rare unity of purpose within the Ijaw nation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
