The governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress in the 2027 Delta State election, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, has challenged Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to show Deltans the measurable benefits of the state’s public spending.
Iyovwaye said the 2027 governorship contest should focus less on political endorsements and more on what the government had achieved with the resources available to the state.
He made the demand in a statement dated September 12, 2026, following the forum of Urhobo traditional rulers’ endorsement of Oborevwori ahead of the election.
While respecting the traditional institution, the NDC candidate said the endorsement could not determine who would becomvoters would ultimately make the decisionltimately be made by voters.
Iyovwaye said the more important issue was whether the state’s resources were translating into jobs, stronger businesses, better public services and improved living conditions.
He cited the state’s 2026 budget proposal, which projected total expenditure of N1.664tn, and questioned what measurable economic transformation Deltans were receiving from the resources available to the government.
According to him, the budget included projected revenues of N720bn from statutory allocation, N250bn from internally generated revenue and N120bn from VAT.
He also referred to increased inflows through the Federation Account Allocation Committee following the removal of the petrol subsidy.
Iyovwaye asked, “What measurable economic transformation are Deltans receiving in return for these substantial resources?”
The NDC candidate said the government should be able to provide clear figures on sustainable jobs created, new industries established, businesses supported and improvements in healthcare, education and infrastructure.
He also questioned whether the state had made sufficient progress in reducing its dependence on oil revenues.
Iyovwaye linked the issue of public spending to Oborevwori’s decision to join the All Progressives Congress.
He said the governor had presented his political alignment with the Federal Government as a way of improving Delta’s access to resources and governance opportunities.
The NDC candidate therefore argued that Deltans should be able to see tangible benefits from the alignment.
“If alignment with the Federal Government is presented as an advantage, then the people are entitled to ask: Where are the measurable benefits?” he asked.
Iyovwaye said such benefits should be reflected in communities, businesses, farms, schools, hospitals and household incomes.
He argued that the size of a budget or the amount spent on projects should not, on its own, be treated as evidence of development.
“Political alignment is not development. Budgets are not development. Contracts are not development,” he said.
“Development is measured by the extent to which government improves the lives and economic prospects of its people.”
Delta State’s Medium-Term Development Plan 2024-2027 identifies economic diversification, employment, wealth generation and improved quality of life among its development objectives.
Iyovwaye acknowledged the administration’s reported investments in roads, bridges and other infrastructure but said the projects should ultimately be judged by their impact on the people.
He asked how many sustainable private-sector jobs had been created, how many industries were operating and employing Deltans, and whether the business environment had improved.
He also questioned what opportunities were available to young people who might otherwise leave the state in search of jobs elsewhere.
“These are not partisan questions,” Iyovwaye said. “They are questions every responsible government should be prepared to answer.”
On the endorsement by the Urhobo traditional rulers, the NDC candidate said he respected the royal fathers but maintained that the electorate remained responsible for choosing the governor.
“As an Urhobo man, I deeply understand the value of unity. But Delta State belongs to all of us — Urhobo, Ijaw, Itsekiri, Isoko, Anioma, and every community that calls this state home,” he said.
He said the 2027 election should therefore focus on performance, accountability, competence and vision.
Iyovwaye added that he would seek an audience with the Urhobo traditional rulers to present his political programme and would continue campaigning across the state.
“I will not step down,” he declared.
