Delta 2027 Governorship: Ex–Niger Delta Minister Orubebe Endorses Oborevwori, Calls for Ijaw Succession
By Ezekiel Kagbala
Former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe, has thrown his weight behind Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as the preferred and “settled choice” for the Delta State governorship ahead of 2027, citing the governor’s visible infrastructural achievements and commitment to statewide development.
Orubebe, an All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart in Delta State, made the endorsement during an interaction with members of the Ijaw Journalists Association Worldwide at his country home in Ogbobagbene, Burutu Local Government Area.
According to the former minister, Governor Oborevwori’s performance since assuming office has justified continued support for his leadership beyond 2027.
“The construction of five flyover bridges across the state, including those in Warri, Effurun, Agbor and Ughelli, among several other infrastructural projects, clearly shows that Governor Oborevwori means well for the people of Delta State,” Orubebe said.
He stressed that the scale and spread of ongoing projects across ethnic and political lines make Oborevwori a consensus choice, adding that the governor deserves continuity in office.
“Sheriff Oborevwori is a settled choice to continue till 2031,” he declared.
Looking beyond Oborevwori’s tenure, Orubebe advocated for Ijaw political inclusion in the future leadership of the state, calling for an Ijaw governor to emerge after Oborevwori to further integrate Ijaw communities into Delta’s urban and economic development framework.
He specifically expressed his desire for the Bomadi Local Government Area to be developed into a major urban centre for Ijaw people, noting that many Ijaws currently depend on Ughelli as their nearest urban settlement.
“After Oborevwori, an Ijaw person should emerge to further link all Ijaw communities to the cities,” he said.
The former minister also appealed to Governor Oborevwori to prioritize educational development in Ijaw land, urging the establishment of a tertiary institution and a university in the riverine communities.
Orubebe disclosed that land has already been earmarked as a take-off site for a university in an Ijaw area, calling on the state government to activate the project in the interest of equity, education, and long-term development of the Niger Delta.
