By Reen Chidi
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has used the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign rally in Oshimili South, Asaba, to defend his administration’s infrastructure record while taking a swipe at opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at the rally held at the Oshimili South Arcade in Asaba, the governor highlighted road and drainage projects executed by his administration but also devoted considerable attention to questioning the political strength and mobilisation capacity of his opponents.
Oborevwori claimed that his administration had completed 34 road projects inherited from the previous government and initiated another 54 roads, insisting that his government’s performance should be judged by visible projects rather than political speeches.
According to him, several road and stormwater drainage projects had been completed or were nearing completion across Asaba, which he described as deserving of special attention as the state capital.
However, beyond his infrastructure defence, the governor’s remarks took a distinctly political dimension as he challenged opposition parties to demonstrate their popularity through public rallies rather than what he described as limited gatherings in hotels.
He questioned the decision of some political opponents to organise campaign engagements in hotel facilities, arguing that genuine political support should be reflected in large public gatherings.
“If they want the stadium, we will give them. Anywhere they want, we will give them. Let them show their strength,” Oborevwori declared, dismissing the opposition’s capacity to attract large crowds.
The governor also insisted that the crowds attending APC rallies were organic and did not require extensive mobilisation, presenting the turnout in Asaba as evidence of growing acceptance of the ruling party.
His remarks appeared to be part of a broader effort to project the APC as politically dominant in Delta State while portraying opposition parties as struggling to gain grassroots support.
Oborevwori further acknowledged the support of traditional rulers, political leaders and stakeholders in the Oshimili South area, particularly appreciating the Asagba of Asaba and other traditional institutions for the goodwill extended to his administration.
He also commended APC leaders and stakeholders in the Delta North Senatorial District for their support and endorsement of the party’s candidates.
The governor called on party faithful to work towards the return of APC candidates at the forthcoming elections, urging voters to identify the party’s broom symbol on the ballot papers and vote for its candidates.
He specifically mentioned the House of Representatives member representing the area, Ngozi Okolie, praising her political contributions and efforts towards strengthening the party.
While the governor’s address sought to reinforce the APC’s political standing through infrastructure achievements and endorsements, his repeated attacks on opposition parties underscored the increasingly competitive atmosphere surrounding the 2027 elections.
For the opposition, however, the governor’s challenge raises broader questions about whether political popularity should be measured by rally attendance or by the ability of competing parties to present alternative policies, programmes and leadership options to the electorate.
As political activities gather momentum in Delta State, the coming months will test the strength of the APC’s grassroots machinery and the capacity of opposition parties to translate their political ambitions into electoral support.
