Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has expressed strong confidence that the political circumstances that enabled former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to secure victory in the state during the 2023 presidential election will not recur in 2027.
The governor made the assertion during an interview on Arise Television on Tuesday, where he spoke extensively about the evolving political landscape in Delta State and the growing support base of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the next general elections.
According to Oborevwori, Peter Obi’s success in Delta State during the 2023 presidential poll was largely influenced by the support he received from members of the Christian community as well as non-indigenous residents, particularly those of Igbo extraction living in the state.
However, the governor maintained that the political dynamics have since changed, insisting that his administration has built stronger relationships with key groups that played significant roles in the previous election outcome.
Oborevwori stated that the Igbo community in Delta State has continued to cooperate with his government and has remained an important partner in the state’s development efforts. He stressed that contrary to the voting pattern witnessed during the presidential election, the same community did not oppose him during the governorship election and has maintained cordial relations with his administration.
The governor expressed optimism that members of the community would align with the APC in future elections, citing the goodwill and mutual understanding that currently exist between them and his government.
“First and foremost, the Igbo community in Delta State that did that in 2023 never did it during my election, and today we are on the same page,” he said.
“I have told them that this time around, they should vote for the party. They will not just vote for individual candidates; they will vote for the party because of the relationship and goodwill we have built together. I am confident they will support the APC.”
Oborevwori further explained that two major factors contributed to Obi’s strong showing in Delta State during the last presidential election: support from the Christian community and votes from non-indigenous residents. He argued that his administration has successfully engaged both groups and addressed concerns that may have influenced their political choices in 2023.
“The two major factors then were the Christian community and the non-indigenous population, particularly the Igbo community. But we have been able to engage them effectively. We are working together in the overall interest of Delta State,” he added.
The governor also revealed that religious leaders played a significant role in his recent political decisions, particularly his movement to the APC. According to him, faith leaders were consulted before the move and offered prayers for its success.
He suggested that having prayed for the transition, the same religious leaders would likely continue to support the APC and pray for its electoral success in future contests.
“Before we moved to the APC, we met with religious leaders and informed them about our plans. We asked them to pray for us, and they did. Once you have prayed for a cause, you cannot turn around and curse it,” he said.
The governor noted that when election campaigns begin in earnest, he intends to revisit the religious leaders and seek their continued support and prayers.
“When the time comes, I will go back to them and remind them that they prayed for us when we made that decision. I will ask them to continue praying for our success and victory. That is how I see things unfolding,” he stated.
Oborevwori concluded by expressing confidence that the APC is well-positioned to achieve widespread acceptance across Delta State and secure significant electoral victories in 2027, insisting that the political conditions that favored Obi during the last presidential election no longer exist.
His comments come amid growing political realignments and preparations by major political parties as the country gradually shifts attention toward the 2027 general elections.
