The Isoko Verdict: Tinubu, Oborevwori Earn Endorsement for Continuity ~ Truth Reporters

 

Hon. ‘Tonye Timi, Ph.D., BL

The endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, for a second term in office by the Isoko Nation ahead of the 2027 general elections, is a significant expression of political confidence in the leadership, policies and development direction of both administrations.

The endorsement, reaffirmed on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at a grand reception organised in honour of Governor Oborevwori and his wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, at Isoko House, Oleh, attracted traditional rulers, political leaders, captains of industry and other prominent sons and daughters of Isoko Nation.

The development represents a significant milestone in the political landscape of Delta State, particularly given the historical reputation of the Isoko Nation for its collective political consciousness, unity of purpose and coordinated voting disposition. The endorsement is therefore an important political statement with considerable implications for the 2027 general elections and the political fortunes of the candidates enjoying the confidence of the Isoko people.

The endorsement reflects growing recognition of the policy direction and reform initiatives of President Tinubu's administration, as well as the developmental strides being recorded in Delta State under Governor Oborevwori's MORE Agenda.

TINUBU'S RENEWED HOPE: REFORMS AND NATIONAL ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION

Under President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria has embarked on significant economic reforms aimed at repositioning the nation's economy, strengthening public finances, attracting investment and creating a more sustainable foundation for national development.

Among the major policy interventions are the removal of the petroleum subsidy, the unification of the foreign exchange market, and the comprehensive reform of the national tax administration framework. These measures, although initially challenging, are intended to address structural weaknesses in the economy, improve revenue generation, strengthen fiscal sustainability and restore investor confidence.

The administration has also recorded progress in infrastructure development, with major investments in road construction and rehabilitation, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway. The expansion of domestic refining capacity is equally contributing to Nigeria's energy security and reducing dependence on imported petroleum products.

In the education sector, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has expanded access to tertiary education financing, while interventions in agriculture, healthcare, housing and consumer credit are creating additional opportunities for economic participation and social inclusion.

These initiatives demonstrate the administration's commitment to addressing long-standing national challenges through structural reforms, infrastructure investment and targeted social interventions.

THE MORE AGENDA——TRANSFORMING DELTA THROUGH MEANINGFUL DEVELOPMENT

Similarly, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori's MORE Agenda has continued to provide the strategic framework for development and governance in Delta State.

The MORE acronym, representing Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security, encapsulates the administration's commitment to inclusive development, improved infrastructure, economic opportunities, institutional reforms and a secure environment for sustainable growth.

Across the state, the administration has prioritized road infrastructure, healthcare delivery, education, youth empowerment, security and human capital development.

Notable infrastructure interventions include the Emevor-Orogun Road Phase II and the completion of the Trans-Warri Road project, including its 15 bridges, which the Governor recently announced was awaiting commissioning. These projects are significant contributions to connectivity, commerce, mobility and economic development within the state.

The administration's interventions in healthcare and education, alongside its commitment to equitable distribution of development projects across the three senatorial districts, further underscore the people-centred philosophy of the MORE Agenda.

For the Isoko Nation, these development initiatives represent an important opportunity to strengthen its participation in the broader development agenda of Delta State and benefit from the dividends of effective collaboration between the state and federal governments.

POLITICAL UNITY AND THE IMPORTANCE OF FEDERAL-STATE COLLABORATION

The endorsement is significant beyond its immediate political implications. It underscores the importance of political unity, constructive engagement and strategic collaboration between the Federal Government, Delta State Government and communities across the South-South region.

The Renewed Hope Agenda and the MORE Agenda provides a framework for stronger intergovernmental cooperation, improved access to federal development opportunities and accelerated delivery of projects and programmes capable of positively transforming the lives of the people.

It also important to emphasize the role of the traditional institution, the Isoko Development Union, political stakeholders and other community leaders in articulating the collective aspirations of the Isoko people.

This endorsement would further strengthen the relationship between the Isoko Nation and the various levels of government, while encouraging sustained attention to the developmental priorities of the area, particularly road infrastructure, electricity, healthcare, education, employment and economic empowerment.

The most enduring measure of political leadership is its capacity to translate public confidence into tangible improvements in the lives of citizens.

The Isoko Nation's endorsement is, therefore, a significant expression of confidence in the direction of governance at both the national and state levels, and a call for the consolidation of development gains, stronger partnerships and greater delivery of democratic dividends.

Signed:

Hon. Tonye Timi, 

Secretary, Media & Publicity Committee, Delta State Campaign Council.

He is also the Executive Director, Corporate Services, 

South South Development Commission (SSDC)