2027 elections: Urhobo traditional rulers can’t elect governor for Deltans, NDC candidate reacts to Oborevwori’s endorsement

By Kingston Magare 26.9.2026
Governor Sherif Oborevwori’s recent endorsement by Urhobo traditional rulers to continue as Delta State supremo has been dismissed by the Nigeria Democratic Congress governorship candidate, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye.
Deacon Iyovwaye said in a statement on Saturday that he is still very much in the race to be Delta State governor in 2027 even as the Urhobo society of traditions rulers have urged all Urhobos to queue behind the incumbent governor.
“I hold our royal fathers and the exalted institutions they represent in the highest esteem. They are sacred custodians of our history, culture, customs and communal values.
“However, under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the electorate alone has the authority to elect the Governor of Delta State through the ballot box.
“An endorsement, no matter how dignified its source, cannot supersede or extinguish Deltans’ democratic right to choose their leaders,” Iyovwaye said.
He added that whoever becomes governor must be through the ballot and not by consensus by one ethnic group since Delta was home to several other nationalities.
“As an Urhobo man, I deeply understand the value of unity. But Delta State belongs to all of us — Urhobo, Ijaw, Itsekiri, Isoko, Anioma, and every community that calls this state home
“The governorship is a sacred trust sought from all Deltans, not a title conferred by an ethnic consensus.”
He urged all Deltans registered to vote to cast their ballot based on performance rather than sessional sentiments.
“Deltans should not be asked to celebrate political alignment when what they require is meaningful economic transformation.
“If alignment with the Federal Government is presented as an advantage, then the people are entitled to ask: Where are the measurable benefits?”
“These are not partisan questions. They are questions every responsible government should be prepared to answer.
“That is why the 2027 election should be a referendum not merely on endorsements, personalities or political arrangements, but on performance, accountability, competence and vision,” Iyovwaye said.