The Delta State chapter of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Traders and Independent Workers Association (ONTIWA) has declared support for the re-election bids of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The association, led by its State Chairman, Deacon Samuel Okoye, announced its position on Thursday during a visit to Oborevwori at his country home in Osubi, Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State.
As part of its commitment to the campaigns, members of the association presented two branded campaign vehicles and announced financial and logistical contributions to support the re-election bids of the President and the governor.
Okoye disclosed that Chief Okwudiri Ugochukwu donated one campaign vehicle and ₦5 million, while Chief Odinakachukwu Mgbenobi contributed another vehicle and ₦10 million. Mgbenobi also offered a wing of his hotel to accommodate campaign officials and visitors during the electioneering period.
Another member of the association, Prof. Sebastian Onu, pledged ₦10 million, bringing the total announced cash contributions to ₦25 million, alongside the two vehicles and the promised hotel accommodation.
Explaining the association’s decision, Okoye attributed its support for the two leaders to what he described as Oborevwori’s performance, accessibility and commitment to Delta State’s development.
He said the association had begun grassroots mobilisation, with plans to engage traders and other members of the Igbo business community through education and sensitisation on the political choices facing the state and the country.
According to him, the association’s position was informed by its assessment of the broader interests of Delta State and Nigeria, rather than ethnic considerations.
“This is not just about tribal influence. It is about the good and general interest of the entire state,” Okoye said, adding that members were already taking the message to their communities.
Responding, Oborevwori thanked the association for its support, describing the gesture as evidence of the relationship between his administration and the Igbo business community in Delta State.
The governor said his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was influenced by the need to strengthen cooperation between Delta State and the Federal Government, which he said would benefit the people.
He urged members of the association to support both him and Tinubu in the 2027 elections, linking the appeal to his decision to align politically with the President’s party.
“If you love me, when the election comes, you must support me and Mr President. It is not about me alone; it is about the overall interest of our people,” he said.
Oborevwori added that his decision to join the APC was also informed by his relationship with the business community and his desire to work with the Federal Government to advance the state’s development.
Recalling his dealings with traders and entrepreneurs before entering public office, the governor said his experience in the private sector had given him an understanding of the challenges confronting business operators.
“I am different from others because I came from the private sector. I have not worked in any office before. I understand the business environment and I have patronised you all,” he said.
He commended the association for expressing confidence in his administration and assured its members that his government would continue to pursue policies aimed at creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
