Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Traders and Independent Workers Association (ONTIWA), Delta State chapter, has declared support for the second-term bids of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
The association, led by its state chairman, Deacon Samuel Okoye, made its position known when its members visited Oborevwori at his Osubi country home in Okpe Local Government Area of the state on Thursday.
The traders attributed their support for Oborevwori to what they described as his performance in office, accessibility and commitment to the development of the state.
As part of their support for the 2027 campaign, members of the association presented two branded campaign vehicles and financial contributions to the governor’s re-election campaign.
Okoye disclosed that Chief Okwudiri Ugochukwu donated a campaign vehicle and N5 million, while Chief Odinakachukwu Mgbenobi donated another vehicle and N10 million.
Mgbenobi also offered a wing of his hotel to accommodate campaign officials and visitors who may travel to Delta during the electioneering period.
Another member, Prof. Sebastian Onu, pledged N10 million, bringing the disclosed cash contributions to N25 million, apart from the two vehicles and hotel accommodation.
Okoye said members of the association had commenced grassroots mobilisation across the state, insisting that their campaign would focus on educating their people on the need to support what they consider the broader interests of Delta State and Nigeria.
He said the association would discourage ethnic considerations in political choices, stressing that its decision to back Tinubu and Oborevwori was based on development and what it described as the overall interest of the people.
“This is not just about tribal influence. It is about the good and general interest of the entire state.
“We have gone back to our people and are educating and sensitising them. We are telling them that this is about development and the overall interest of our people,” Okoye said.
Responding, Oborevwori thanked the association for its support, describing the gesture as evidence of the strong relationship between his administration and the Igbo business community in Delta.
The governor said his decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) was motivated by the need to strengthen the relationship between Delta State and the Federal Government for the benefit of the people.
He urged members of the association and other supporters to reciprocate his political move by supporting his re-election bid and Tinubu in 2027.
“If you love me, when the election comes, you must support me and Mr President. It is not about me alone; it is about the overall interest of our people.
“Before I moved into APC, I thought about you. I thought about our relationship and the need to work together to move Delta forward,” he said.
Oborevwori also recalled his longstanding relationship with members of the business community, saying his background in the private sector had given him an understanding of the challenges confronting traders and entrepreneurs.
According to him, his relationship with the business community predates his entry into public office and was not driven by political considerations.
“I am different from others because I came from the private sector. I have not worked in any office before. I understand the business environment and I have patronised you all,” the governor said.
He assured traders and other business operators that his administration would continue to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive across the state.
