By Etop Ekanem

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has charged Deltans to queue behind the governorship candidate of the party, Chief Great Ogboru, describing him as the only one that is capable of restoring hope and repositioning the state for sustainable development.

The Delta State Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Fred Akpewe, appealed during an interactive session with Deltans in Abuja shortly after a condolence visit led by Chief Ogboru to the former Governor of Rivers State and ADC vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, over the death of his mother, Dame Ezinne Mary Amaechi.

Akpewe said the 2027 governorship election represents more than another political contest, stressing that it offers Deltans an opportunity to reassess the state’s developmental trajectory and determine whether to retain the status quo or embrace a new direction. According to him, Ogboru’s governorship aspiration has become a focal point of discussion among those who believe Delta State can chart a different course.

He argued that despite nearly two decades of PDP and APC administrations, many communities across the state have continued to face significant developmental challenges. He cited communities in Isoko, Ndokwa and Aniocha, where residents still contend with inadequate electricity supply, limited access to potable water, poor infrastructure and other basic social amenities.

Akpewe further noted that many families struggle to afford quality education for their children, while access to healthcare remains difficult due to rising costs. He maintained that despite Delta State’s abundant oil and gas resources, vast agricultural potential and vibrant human capital, many citizens continue to express concerns over unemployment, inadequate infrastructure in several communities, insecurity, limited industrial growth and the increasing cost of living.

According to him, these challenges have strengthened calls for leadership that can unlock the state’s enormous potential and deliver meaningful development.

The ADC spokesman said supporters of Ogboru believe his long-standing participation in Delta politics reflects resilience, consistency and an enduring commitment to public service. He added that throughout the years, Ogboru has consistently advocated economic revitalisation, accountable governance and inclusive development.

Akpewe stated that one of the major expectations of Ogboru’s supporters is the emergence of a leadership that places productivity above politics by prioritising job creation through industrial expansion, agricultural modernisation, support for small and medium-scale enterprises and policies capable of attracting private investment.

He added that education and healthcare would also remain central to such a vision, noting that a prosperous Delta State must invest in quality education, strengthen healthcare facilities, empower teachers and medical professionals and ensure that development reaches both urban and rural communities.

The party spokesman further emphasised the need for transparency, accountability and prudent management of public resources, saying citizens increasingly expect governments to ensure that every naira allocated to development translates into measurable benefits for the people.

He also identified infrastructure development—including improved road networks, reliable electricity, potable water, digital connectivity and modern public facilities—as essential requirements for sustainable economic growth and improved living standards.

Akpewe said the 2027 governorship election presents Deltans with an important democratic choice, as political parties and candidates will present competing visions for the future of the state. He maintained that supporters of Chief Great Ogboru believe he offers an alternative worthy of serious consideration.

He urged voters to base their decisions on competence, integrity, experience and a clear development agenda rather than partisan sentiment, expressing confidence that if Deltans embrace a new leadership direction, the 2027 election could usher in a new era of accelerated growth, renewed public confidence and inclusive development.

According to him, for many supporters of Chief Great Ogboru, the 2027 governorship election represents not merely a political transition but an opportunity to restore hope and build a Delta State where the dividends of democracy and development are enjoyed by all citizens