Ahead of the 2027 general election, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Traders and Independent Workers Association (ONTIWA), Delta State chapter, has thrown its weight behind the second term ambition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
The group, led by its state chairman, Deacon Samuel Okoye, disclosed this when they visited Governor Oborevwori at his Osubi country home in Okpe Local Government Area of the state on Thursday.
The association, while declaring its support for the governor and the President, said the decision was based on what it described as Oborevwori’s performance in office, accessibility and commitment to the development of Delta State.
As part of its support for the 2027 campaigns, two members of the group presented two branded campaign vehicles to the governor, and financial and logistical contributions to the re-election bid.
According to Okoye, one of the members, Chief Okwudiri Ugochukwu, donated a campaign vehicle and N5 million, while Chief Odinakachukwu Mgbenobi donated a vehicle and N10 million. Mgbenobi also offered a wing of his hotel to accommodate campaign officials and visitors who may come into the state during the campaign. Another member, Prof. Sebastian Onu, pledged N10 million.
He said members of the association have commenced grassroots mobilisation, adding that its campaign would focus on educating and sensitising their people on the need to support what they described as the overall interest of Delta State and Nigeria, rather than allowing ethnic considerations to determine their political choices.
Okoye said the association was convinced that the political support for Oborevwori and Tinubu was in the broader interest of the people, saying; “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.”
Governor Oborevwori in his remarks, expressed appreciation to the association, saying the gesture was a demonstration of the strong relationship between his administration and the Igbo business community in Delta.
Oborevwori said his decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) was informed by the need to strengthen the relationship between Delta State and the Federal Government for the benefit of the people.
He urged the traders and other supporters to reciprocate his political move by supporting him and President Tinubu in the 2027 elections, adding that; “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.”
Oborevwori, who recalled his long-standing relationship with members of the business community, said his background as a private-sector operator enabled him to understand the challenges faced by traders and entrepreneurs.
According to him, he had patronised and interacted with traders long before he became a public office holder, stressing that his relationship with the business community was not politically motivated.
He said: “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 commended members of association for their confidence in his administration and assured them that the government would continue to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
