By Joelson Wilson
As political activities begin to intensify ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, the Chief Adviser to the Governor of Delta State, Ighoyota Amori, has issued a firm and unequivocal warning to opposition figures, declaring that the Delta State Government House will remain occupied by the current administration until 2031.
Amori’s remarks come in the wake of the recently concluded Ward and State Congresses of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the country, including Delta State. With attention now shifting toward the upcoming zonal congresses and national convention scheduled for March, political observers are closely watching unfolding developments within the party.
The congresses in Delta State were largely peaceful, but the noticeable absence of some key party figures; including former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, former Delta State Governor James Ibori, and House of Representatives member Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu; has sparked speculation among political analysts about potential strategies ahead of the party’s primaries.
Some observers believe the trio may be planning a surprise political move as the APC approaches its internal nomination processes. However, Amori dismissed such speculation, insisting that there is no division within the party in Delta State.
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, Amori maintained that the APC in Delta remains united and focused, emphasizing that the congresses were conducted in an atmosphere of consultation and consensus.
“There is no crisis whatsoever in the APC in Delta State,” Amori said. “The Ward and State Congresses were conducted peacefully, and all stakeholders were duly consulted before decisions were taken. The party adopted consensus because everyone was carried along.”
According to him, the leadership approach of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has been central to maintaining harmony within the party.
“The governor believes strongly in consultation. He understands that power is transient and that leadership must involve everyone. Before becoming governor, he served as Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, so he knows the importance of inclusive politics,” Amori noted.
Amori, widely regarded as one of Delta’s most seasoned political strategists, has played significant roles in the political architecture of the state for more than two decades. He served in the administration of former Governor James Ibori between 1999 and 2007 as Commissioner for Education, Senior Political Adviser, and later Commissioner for Water Resources.
Over the years, his political influence has been instrumental in shaping electoral victories for successive administrations in the state.
Political watchers often describe Amori as a “political Hercules” due to his deep grassroots connections and strategic role in electoral mobilization across Delta State.
Amori used the opportunity to send what many interpreted as a direct warning to opposition forces contemplating a challenge in the next governorship race.
“There is no space in Delta State Government House for another governor until 2031,” he declared emphatically. “As far as Delta State is concerned, the APC will win all contested positions; from ward level to the federal level.”
He argued that the current administration has made campaigning easier for the party due to the developmental strides recorded since Governor Oborevwori assumed office on May 29, 2023.
“The governor has combined political intelligence with visible developmental projects across the state. That has already made the campaign for 2027 much easier,” he said.
Amori highlighted several initiatives and infrastructure projects undertaken by the Oborevwori administration, noting that they have strengthened public confidence in the government.
He cited the groundbreaking ceremony of the Otovwodo Flyover in Ughelli North Local Government Area as one example of the administration’s commitment to development.
“At the groundbreaking ceremony, the governor openly told the people that the state has resources and that more funds have been made available to Delta. That means Deltans should expect even more projects,” Amori stated.
He also referenced the recent maiden convocation ceremony of Southern Delta University in Ozoro, where the governor reportedly approved several requests made by the institution’s management on the spot.
“That is a governor who is clearly in a hurry to develop every sector of the state,” Amori added.
Amori concluded by asserting that the outcome of the 2027 election will ultimately be determined by the people of Delta State, not by political propaganda or media speculation.
“I will say it again, there are no factions of APC in Delta State,” he said. “The media may twist stories to create attention, but the reality on the ground is that there is only one APC in Delta state and one candidate for governorship in 2027.”
He added, “Anyone who wants to contest against the governor will have to manufacture stories to convince the people. But it will not work either. It is the people of Delta State, those who have benefited from the projects of this administration, that will decide their governor.”
According to Amori, the administration’s achievements remain open for public scrutiny.
“You cannot argue with facts,” he stressed. “The scorecard of this government is available for everyone to see and verify.”
With the APC’s internal processes moving toward the zonal congresses and national convention, analysts say Delta State could become one of the most closely watched political theatres in the run-up to the 2027 elections.
However, if Amori’s confident declaration is anything to go by, the ruling political establishment in the state appears determined to consolidate its hold on power, and ready to confront any opposition challenge head-on.
