The political landscape in Delta State is increasingly taking shape as the 2027 general election approaches. Recent developments within the All Progressives Congress (APC) indicate a party focused on unity, internal stability, and electoral preparedness. From governorship to senatorial, House of Representatives, and State House of Assembly primaries, along with high-profile endorsements from influential groups, the APC in Delta appears to be building a coordinated political structure around Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Governorship Primary: A Landslide Victory
The clearest signal emerged during the party's governorship primary, where Governor Oborevwori, running unopposed, secured affirmation from 345,375 APC members across all Delta State's wards to become the party's governorship candidate for 2027. For a governor who crossed over from another political party and now leads a rapidly evolving APC structure in Delta, the outcome represented more than a routine primary victory. Party leaders interpreted it as evidence of growing internal cohesion and expanding acceptance of the governor's leadership style.
At the APC secretariat in Asaba, where collation took place, Chairman of the Governorship Primary Election Committee and Returning Officer, Victor Abba, an engineer, formally declared Oborevwori winner after satisfying constitutional requirements and securing the highest number of valid votes.
Peaceful and Transparent Process
Beyond the numbers, party officials repeatedly highlighted the conduct of the exercise itself. Across Delta's 270 wards, party stakeholders consistently described the process as peaceful, orderly, and transparent—a recurring theme that APC leaders have increasingly used to define the party's internal identity ahead of 2027.
Governor Oborevwori himself leaned heavily into that narrative. Speaking after voting in Oha Ward, Okpe Local Government Area, the governor praised the APC leadership for adopting what he called a transparent and exemplary primary process. “For the first time in Delta State, our primaries were conducted peacefully without violence, crisis or loss of lives. Nobody imposed candidates on the people. The people freely chose those they wanted,” he said.
The governor's emphasis on internal democracy appears strategic. Political observers have long argued that party unity often determines electoral success as much as candidate popularity. By consistently promoting peaceful primaries and grassroots participation, the APC leadership appears intent on presenting itself as a disciplined political machine entering the 2027 election cycle.
Senatorial Primaries: Shifting Alignments
That message extended beyond the governorship race. Delta's senatorial primaries produced outcomes that further underscored changing political alignments. In Delta Central, Senator Ede Dafinone defeated former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege by a commanding margin, polling 116,252 votes against 3,643. In Delta North, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa won, beating incumbent Senator Ned Nwoko. Okowa polled 113,309 votes to defeat Ned Nwoko, who scored 2,612 votes, while Mariam Ali secured 40 votes.
Meanwhile, in Delta South, incumbent Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas emerged victorious with 87,805 votes against Hon. Michael Diden's 30,794. For Joel-Onowakpo, the victory carried particular significance. Having secured a return ticket, the senator framed his re-election bid around continuity and experience, promising stronger representation as a ranking lawmaker if returned to the Senate. “The way the people voted shows they have a lot of confidence in me,” he said after his victory.
House of Representatives Primaries
The pattern was similar across House of Representatives primaries. From Isoko Federal Constituency where Jonathan Ukodhiko prevailed, to Aniocha/Oshimili where Ndudi Elumelu emerged winner, and Burutu where Julius Pondi secured victory, APC leaders consistently pointed to peaceful conduct and strong voter participation as indicators of party strength. Oborevwori repeatedly reinforced that narrative. During the House of Representatives primary in Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie Federal Constituency, he described the exercise as proof of growing party unity and acceptance. “The people are happy, united and satisfied with the process,” he said.
Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme similarly praised the Option A4 voting system adopted during the exercises, arguing that openness and transparency strengthened democratic credibility.
Itsekiri Endorsement
While internal party consolidation remains central, external political endorsements are increasingly adding momentum to Oborevwori's political positioning. Perhaps the most symbolic endorsement came from the Itsekiri nation. At a grand reception held at the Olu Palace Ground in Warri, attended by political leaders, traditional rulers, and prominent stakeholders, the Itsekiri nation formally endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for second terms in office.
The endorsement represented more than political symbolism. It reflected an effort by influential ethnic and political stakeholders to align with continuity at both federal and state levels. Chairman of the Planning Committee, Dr. Alex Ideh, who moved the endorsement motion, argued that leadership continuity would consolidate developmental gains already recorded.
The event also produced a defining personal milestone for Governor Oborevwori. In a ceremony rich with cultural significance, the governor received the Royal Order of Iwere (ROI), the highest honour of the Itsekiri nation. The Olu of Warri said the honour recognised Oborevwori's leadership style, commitment to peace, inclusiveness, and developmental efforts across Delta State. More significantly, the monarch disclosed that Oborevwori became the first non-Itsekiri recipient of the prestigious honour. The recognition highlighted a recurring political theme surrounding the governor's administration: bridge-building across ethnic and political divides.
Prince Yemi Emiko, who spoke during the reception, acknowledged Oborevwori's support for inclusiveness within party structures while also commending developmental interventions across Itsekiri communities. Responding, the governor described the endorsement as “organic,” stressing that it was not sought through political lobbying. “I celebrate your organisational savvy, tenacity of purpose and loyalty to the unity and progress of Delta State,” Oborevwori told the gathering.
Infrastructure as a Political Asset
The governor also used the occasion to highlight infrastructure projects central to his administration's development messaging. Among them was the Trans-Warri/Ode-Itsekiri Road project—a long-awaited initiative connecting communities including Ubeji, Ode-Itsekiri, Ijala, Obodo, and Omadino. He also pointed to ongoing rehabilitation works and electrification projects intended to deepen economic access across riverine areas.
Infrastructure has increasingly become a core political asset for the administration. Party leaders repeatedly referenced road construction, rural development, and broader governance initiatives while defending APC's prospects ahead of 2027. Delta APC Chairman, Chief Solomon Arenyeka, argued that governance performance would strengthen voter confidence. Former governor Okowa similarly interpreted turnout during party exercises as evidence of support for the administration.
Discipline as a Campaign Message
Yet beyond endorsements and project narratives, perhaps the APC's strongest political message entering 2027 is discipline. Throughout governorship, senatorial, and House of Representatives primaries, party officials repeatedly highlighted the absence of violence, orderly conduct, and internal consensus-building. In a state historically shaped by competitive and sometimes contentious political contests, projecting institutional stability may become one of APC's most valuable campaign assets.
The road to 2027 remains long and political dynamics can evolve rapidly. Delta APC is focused on one objective: presenting itself as a united political platform anchored around Governor Sheriff Oborevwori's leadership, governance record, and growing coalition of support.
