From Francis Sadhere, Warri
Ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Delta State and the proposed endorsement of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as the sole candidate by the Delta Ijaw ethnic nationality, a prominent Ijaw leader and peace advocate, Comrade (Chief) Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has declared that Ijaw support in the next election will depend on the level of infrastructural projects allocated and adequately funded in the 2026 state budget.
Mulade, who is the Ibe-Sorimowei of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, made the declaration during a press briefing in Warri after an expanded stakeholders’ meeting of the Ijaw Ethnic Nationality.
According to him, the inclusion and proper funding of developmental projects in the riverine communities — largely inhabited by the Ijaws and Itsekiris — will be the key determinant of political loyalty in 2027.
While commending Governor Oborevwori’s “infrastructural revolution” in upland areas, Mulade lamented the lack of similar development in riverine communities, despite their population and economic contributions as hosts to multinational oil and gas companies.
He said, “I want to sincerely appreciate His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for the infrastructural development, particularly in the upland areas, and for the proposed commissioning of the reconstructed Odimodi-Ogulagha road.
However, it is imperative to state that some Ijaw communities such as Ogulagha, Torugbene, Oporoza, Akugbene, and Ojobo are more densely populated than some upland local government headquarters, yet they remain deliberately deprived of development due to terrain excuses.”
The environmental rights activist noted that the Ijaw nation stood firmly by Oborevwori throughout the election season and deserved visible government presence in return.
“We have created a conducive atmosphere for oil and gas production, supported security, and ensured peace in the state. It is time for the governor to reciprocate through the 2026 budget with tangible legacy projects,” he declared.
Mulade outlined key projects the Ijaw expect the government to prioritize, including the completion of the Ayakoromo Bridge, Omadino-Okerenkoko-Kokodiagbene-Escravos Road, Aladja-Ogbe-Ijoh Road, and Ojobo-Torugbene Road.
He also called for the establishment of a first-class health centre or general hospital at Ogulagha, and urged the governor to upgrade the Delta State Maritime Polytechnic, Burutu, into a campus of the Delta State University, Abraka, to strengthen the state’s position in the emerging blue economy.
On education equity, Mulade further appealed for the establishment of a Dennis Osadebe University campus in Koko, focusing on agricultural studies, to give the Itsekiri people a sense of belonging.
“The above-mentioned projects constitute the live-wire of the Delta Ijaw and will translate into votes come 2027,” he asserted. “If these projects are included and funded in the 2026 budget, the Ijaw nation will give Governor Oborevwori 100 percent of their votes.”
Mulade emphasized that equitable development across the state would not only guarantee political support but also etch Governor Oborevwori’s name “in gold” as a leader committed to inclusive governance beyond electoral promises.
