Chris Iyovwaye asserts voters will decide 2027 Delta governorship

Chris Iyovwaye, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for the 2027 Delta State governorship election, has asserted that voters, rather than traditional rulers, will decide the state's next leader. This statement follows an endorsement of incumbent Governor Sheriff Oborevwori by Urhobo traditional rulers. While Iyovwaye expressed respect for traditional institutions as cultural custodians, he emphasized the distinction between traditional counsel and constitutional authority, stating that endorsements cannot supersede the democratic right of the electorate to choose leaders via the ballot box.

Iyovwaye called for unity across Delta State's various ethnic groups and argued that the election should be based on performance, accountability, and economic vision rather than ethnic endorsements. He also raised questions regarding the state's economic transformation and the utilization of resources in relation to the 2026 budget proposal.

In a related development for the NDC campaign, the Society of Digital Newspaper Owners of Nigeria (SDNON) congratulated Judith Akatugba on her appointment as Head of the Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication Directorate for Iyovwaye’s campaign. SDNON President Adeniyi Ifetayo described the appointment as a recognition of Akatugba’s professionalism and experience in strategic communications.