No Full-Blooded Deltan Will Contest Against Oborevwori in 2027 — Dr. Bolum

The immediate past Delta State Chairman of the Trade Union Congress, Dr. Martin Nwachukwu Bolum (PhD h.c), has stated that no indigenous politician from Delta State will deliberately seek any political party’s ticket to contest the 2027 governorship election against Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

“No full-blooded Deltan will seek any party ticket to contest the 2027 governorship election against Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. Deltans have unfinished business with him. What else can anybody offer Deltans that Governor Oborevwori has not already offered and is still offering with precision, speed, and quality?” Dr. Bolum stated.

Speaking at the Delta Common Cause policy forum in Asaba on Tuesday, Dr. Bolum argued that the governor’s performance since assuming office in May 2023 has significantly reshaped the political landscape. He noted that the administration’s development efforts have reached both urban centres and remote communities, thereby strengthening public confidence in governance.

According to him, “the administration’s achievements are evident not only in major cities but also in rural and previously underserved areas. The scale of grassroots impact has been remarkable and has fundamentally altered political expectations across the state.”

Governor Oborevwori’s administration operates under the “MORE Agenda” — Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security. This framework, Dr. Bolum observed, has guided interventions across critical sectors, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, economic development, and public service delivery.

In the area of infrastructure, Dr. Bolum commended the ongoing construction and rehabilitation of road networks linking rural communities with urban centres. He noted that improved connectivity has stimulated economic activities, particularly in agrarian and riverine areas where transportation challenges previously hindered productivity. Several communities that were once difficult to access, he said, are now more connected, enabling farmers to transport produce efficiently and residents to access essential services.

He added that the equitable distribution of infrastructure projects across the three senatorial districts has reduced feelings of marginalisation among rural populations, fostering a stronger sense of inclusion in governance.

Dr. Bolum also highlighted the administration’s achievements in the education sector. He pointed to the upgrading of technical colleges to enhance vocational and skills-based training, as well as ongoing investments in school infrastructure and learning facilities. These efforts, he said, are aimed at equipping young people with practical competencies necessary for employment and entrepreneurship in a modern economy. The administration has also prioritised teacher support and educational reforms designed to improve learning outcomes across the state.

In addition, he commended the governor for addressing long-standing financial obligations to retirees and workers. According to Dr. Bolum, the governor’s release N10 billion for the payment of backlogs of pensions and gratuities has brought relief to many retired public servants. He further noted that the prompt and regular payment of workers’ salaries has restored confidence in the public service and contributed to industrial harmony within the state.

Beyond education and labour welfare, Dr Bolum praised Governor Oborevwori notable progress in healthcare delivery. “Primary healthcare centres have been renovated and equipped, with improved staffing and access to essential medical supplies.” He also referenced the expansion of healthcare coverage through the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, which has increased access to affordable medical care for residents.

He further revealed that the state government is in the process of employing 700 health workers, a move expected to boost service delivery. In addition, the approval of special allowances for doctors and other health personnel has been described as a strategic step toward improving workforce motivation and overall efficiency in the health sector.

On economic development, Dr. Bolum stated that the government has implemented programmes targeting youth empowerment and small-scale enterprises. Agricultural initiatives, in particular, have encouraged youth participation in farming, thereby boosting food production and creating employment opportunities. He described ongoing projects such as the Kwale Free Trade Zone, Koko Free Trade Zone, and the Ogwashi-Uku Agro-Industrial Park as key drivers of what he termed Delta State’s emerging economic renaissance.

Security, he added, has also improved under the current administration. Enhanced collaboration between government, security agencies, and community stakeholders has contributed to relative peace in areas previously affected by communal tensions. This stability, he noted, is essential for sustaining development and attracting investment.

Dr. Bolum, known for his contributions to trade unionism, public discourse, and policy advocacy, emphasised that the cumulative effect of these initiatives has created a political environment that discourages credible opposition within the state. He argued that the inclusive nature of governance and the equitable distribution of projects have made it politically challenging for any serious indigenous contender to emerge.

“The administration’s consistent engagement with grassroots communities has fostered a sense of ownership among the people,” he said. “This will undoubtedly play a decisive role in future electoral outcomes.”

He concluded that the prevailing sentiment across Delta State indicates a consolidation of support for Governor Oborevwori, noting that performance-driven governance is increasingly shaping voter preferences and redefining political competition in the state.