The Chief Adviser to the Governor of Delta State, Senator Ighoyota Amori, has dismissed claims that Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori lacked credible support ahead of the 2023 governorship election, asserting that he not only believed in the governor’s capacity but actively championed his candidacy when many doubted it.

Speaking during a media chat with social media influencer, Amb. Ese Emadifie, at his office in Asaba, Amori recounted his role in mobilising state-wide support for Oborevwori at a time when scepticism dominated political discourse.

“Contrary to the popular belief that no one believed in Sheriff before the 2023 elections, that is not correct,” Amori said. “I believed in him. I saw what many did not see then but are now seeing.”

Building Structure Amid Doubt

Before the 2023 polls, Oborevwori, then Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, faced criticism from some quarters, with opponents questioning his capacity to lead the oil-rich state. Political debates intensified across mainstream and social media, and the election period was marked by uncertainty and intense rivalry.

Amori, however, said his confidence in Oborevwori’s leadership qualities prompted him to establish a political structure, Delta Central 23 (DC-23), to galvanise grassroots support.

“At that time, because of my strong belief in his capability, I formed Delta Central 23, what we called DC-23, so we could have a structured body to drive the work,” he explained.

“I was the National Chairman. Meetings were held in my place. From then on, there was no place I did not go. The DC-23 visited traditional rulers across the ethnic nationalities, the 25 local government areas, and even down to the wards, campaigning and soliciting support for him, before and after the Primaries.”

According to Amori, his backing was rooted in a long-standing conviction about Oborevwori’s character and leadership style.

“He is quality-conscious and has a mind of his own. Even before he occupied any elective office, I knew he would make a fine leader for Delta State,” he said.

Over Two Years of Infrastructure Expansion

Now in his second year in office, Governor Oborevwori’s administration has embarked on a series of infrastructure projects that Amori describes as unprecedented in scale and simultaneity.

“This is the first time in the history of the state that we are witnessing this magnitude of projects happening simultaneously,” Amori stated. “I can categorically say that because I have served in every administration since 1999.”

Among the flagship projects is the long-anticipated Trans-Warri Ode-Itsekiri bridge, which Amori noted has reached completion, a development many had previously considered unlikely.

In addition, five flyovers were approved across key urban centres, with major progress in final stages recorded at PTI Junction, Enerhen Junction, and DSC Roundabout, while projects in Ughelli and Agbor are advancing rapidly.

“People thought some of these projects could not be done,” he said. “Today, they are seeing them.”

Social Investment and Human Capital Development

Beyond physical infrastructure, Amori highlighted social intervention programmes, including a monthly stipend of ₦15,000 for 10,000 widows alongside access to free healthcare services.

“Where has that been done?” he asked rhetorically, describing the initiative as a demonstration of inclusive governance. I even heard those whose husbands are alive, are claiming to be widows, so they also benefit from the governor’s welfare scheme. We pray for long life for their husbands, he jokingly said.

He also pointed to increased investment in education, referencing recent convocation ceremonies at Delta State University, Agbor and Southern Delta University, Ozoro, where the governor awarded substantial cash prizes to best graduating students and first-class degree holders.

“This has sent students back to serious academic work,” Amori remarked. “No one can say education is a scam anymore. This is how the governor is encouraging education across the State, so the youth can take their studies more seriously, thereby shunning crime and drug abuse.

He further cited the operational status of the Southern Delta University campus in Orerokpe as evidence of the administration’s drive to expand educational access and reduce youth idleness.

Urban Renewal and Grassroots Funding

Amori also referenced drainage projects across various parts of the state aimed at addressing perennial flooding and enhancing road durability, as well as the ongoing Asaba Waterfront project designed to boost tourism and urban renewal.

In a move to deepen grassroots development, he disclosed that ₦4 billion has been allocated by the governor, specifically to each of the 25 local government areas for capital projects in the 2026 fiscal cycle.

“That tells you what is about to happen in 2026,” he said. “Deltans should expect more, because the governor knows what he is here to do. He has always said he wants to be remembered for something tangible by the end of his tenure in 2031, because victory is certain come 2027.”

Looking Ahead to 2027

With the 2027 political horizon gradually approaching, Amori expressed confidence that the governor’s performance would shape public sentiment.

“When people say no one believed in Sheriff, I remind them that I did,” he reiterated. “And today, he is living up to the mandate given to him by Deltans. The rest, as they say, is history.”

As political alignments begin to take early shape ahead of the next electoral cycle, with the success of the APC State Congress on Tuesday, Amori’s remarks signal both a reaffirmation of loyalty and a strategic narrative aimed at consolidating support around an administration that he believes has defied early scepticism.