Ahead of the 2027 governorship election and ongoing talks of endorsing Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for a second term, prominent Ijaw leader and development advocate, Comrade (Chief) Sheriff Mulade, PhD, says the Ijaw nation’s support will depend on the scope of projects captured and adequately funded in the 2026 state budget.
Mulade, who spoke to journalists in Warri after an expanded stakeholders’ meeting, stressed that the Ijaw ethnic nationality will evaluate the Governor’s commitment through tangible investments in riverine communities, which he said have long suffered developmental neglect.
According to the Ibe-Sorimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, while Governor Oborevwori has recorded impressive infrastructure development in the upland areas, the riverine axis—predominantly inhabited by Ijaw and Itsekiri communities—remains underdeveloped, despite hosting multinational oil and gas companies that significantly boost the state’s revenue.
He said: “I sincerely appreciate His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for the infrastructural revolution in upland areas, including the planned commissioning of the reconstructed Odimodi–Ogulagha Road. However, major Ijaw communities such as Ogulagha, Torugbene, Oporoza, Akugbene and Ojobo, which are in fact more populated than some upland LG headquarters, have continued to suffer neglect under the guise of terrain challenges.”
Mulade reminded the Governor of the strong political backing the Ijaw nation gave during the 2023 elections, noting that the same level of support will be offered in 2027 only if the 2026 budget reflects clear development commitments to riverine areas.
He listed priority projects expected in the budget to include: Ayakoromo Bridge, Omadino–Okerenkoko–Kokodiagbene–Escravos Road, Aladja–Ogbe-Ijoh Road and Ojobo–Torugbene Road.
Mulade also called for: A first-class general hospital in Ogulagha Town, the upgrade of Delta State Maritime Polytechnic, Burutu, to a campus of Delta State University, Abraka, and the establishment of a Dennis Osadebe University campus in Koko focused on agriculture and the blue economy.
He emphasised that these projects are critical not only to development but to sustaining peace, revenue stability, and political unity in the state.
“We have ensured peace for oil production to thrive and contributed immensely to making Delta one of Nigeria’s richest states. It is time for the governor to reciprocate with legacy projects. If the 2026 budget reflects genuine commitment, we can assure His Excellency of 100% Ijaw votes in 2027,” he stated.
Mulade concluded that prioritising riverine development will give the people a sense of belonging while securing Governor Oborevwori’s place in history.
