The Director-General of Integrity Group of Nigeria, Dr Oke Idawene, has expressed confidence that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will emerge victorious in the 2027 general elections, declaring that the economic reforms initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are beginning to yield positive results.

Idawene stated this during a media briefing tagged “APC All The Way,” where he maintained that the administration’s policies, despite the economic challenges facing Nigerians, had laid the foundation for sustainable growth and national prosperity.

The briefing, which brought together leaders and members of Integrity Group, aka Renewed Hope for MORE Agenda Ambassadors, commenced with a minute’s silence in honour of the late former Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, whom Idawene described as a true leader who contributed immensely to the development of the state.

Addressing journalists, the Director-General commended President Tinubu for what he described as courageous and visionary leadership, particularly his determination to undertake difficult reforms aimed at repositioning the nation’s economy.

According to him, although Nigerians have experienced hardship arising from some of the policies, the country cannot afford to abandon the reforms when their benefits are beginning to materialise.

“The country cannot afford to start afresh. The reforms of Mr President have started yielding results, and we are now moving towards prosperity. That is why Nigerians should re-elect President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027,” Idawene declared.

He maintained that the APC-led Federal Government had recorded significant progress in infrastructure development, economic restructuring and efforts to address insecurity across the country.

Idawene noted that ongoing road reconstruction and other developmental projects were indications of the administration’s commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians.

He also commended Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for his developmental strides, describing him as an inspirational leader whose achievements under the MORE Agenda had transformed the state into a massive construction site.

According to him, the governor’s commitment to infrastructure development, workers’ welfare and grassroots development has continued to attract commendations from residents and political stakeholders.

He equally appreciated the First Lady of Delta State, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, for her motherly role and contributions to humanitarian activities and the welfare of vulnerable residents.

Speaking on the activities of Integrity Group, Idawene explained that the organisation was established to promote good governance, educate citizens about government policies and showcase the achievements of the Oborevwori administration.

He said the group had remained committed to its objectives over the past three years, sustaining its advocacy and public enlightenment activities through the collective efforts of its leadership and members.

“Our inspiration is good governance, and the man behind that inspiration in Delta State is Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. There is a need to enlighten the masses on what the government is doing to deliver the dividends of democracy,” he stated.

The Director-General acknowledged the contributions of prominent political leaders and stakeholders who had supported the organisation since its formation.

Among those he mentioned were Chief Ighoyota Amori, Dame Mimie Igbrude, Chief Festus Ochonogor, Prince Mike Opute, Barrister Fred Majemite and Okakuro Sunday Onoriode.

Other are; Barr Mrs Mary Erijoh, Pastor Mrs Rhoda Ikede, Hon Godknows Angelle, Chief Ebikeme Clerk, Rt Hon Momotimi Guwor, Chief John Oguma, Rt Hon Funkeme Solomon, High Chief Charles Akeni, Sir Reginald Bayoko, alongside several others.

He described their support as instrumental to the growth and sustainability of Integrity Group and its continued promotion of the MORE Agenda.

Idawene further explained that the theme of the briefing, “APC All The Way,” reflected the group’s determination to support the re-election of President Tinubu and the continued implementation of developmental policies at the federal and state levels.

He argued that the APC administration had introduced noticeable changes in governance, particularly in the implementation of projects and the management of public resources.

According to him, local government councils were increasingly undertaking developmental projects and meeting their financial obligations, including the payment of workers’ salaries.

“Though it is not yet Uhuru, the worst is over, and we are now moving towards prosperity,” he said.

On national security, Idawene expressed confidence in the Federal Government’s efforts to combat terrorism and other security threats.

He cited reported commendations from United States President Donald Trump as an indication of international recognition of Nigeria’s efforts to address insecurity.

Also speaking, the Delta State Chairman of Integrity Group, Bulum Martins Nwachukwu, acknowledged the economic difficulties confronting Nigerians, particularly the rising cost of petroleum products and the high cost of living.

Responding to questions about the burden of fuel prices on ordinary citizens, Bolum attributed the situation partly to developments in the international energy market.

He argued that the global energy crisis, including tensions involving the United States and Iran and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, had contributed to fluctuations in crude oil prices.

According to him, the situation is not peculiar to Nigeria, as several countries are experiencing economic pressure and public protests over the rising cost of living.

“The issue of energy is a global challenge. There are protests across the world because of the cost of living. Crude oil prices are influenced by developments in the international market, and that is affecting everybody,” he explained.

Bolum intained that the present economic difficulties would not last indefinitely, expressing optimism that the government’s policies would eventually bring relief to Nigerians.

He, however, called for an upward review of workers’ salaries to cushion the effects of inflation and the rising cost of essential commodities.

The state chairman declared the group’s support for the demands of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for improved remuneration and better living conditions for Nigerian workers.

According to him, the time has come for the Federal Government to consider further salary adjustments in response to prevailing economic realities.

“The time is ripe for an increase in the salaries of Nigerian workers. We support what the NLC is demanding. Recently, there have been salary improvements for some security personnel, and we believe other workers also deserve better remuneration,” he stated.

On insecurity, Bolum maintained that the Tinubu administration had made progress in addressing security challenges, stressing that terrorism and other forms of insecurity were not peculiar to Nigeria.

He urged Nigerians to continue supporting government initiatives aimed at strengthening national security and promoting peace.

Meanwhile, Dr Idawene while responding to a question strongly condemned inflammatory political statements capable of threatening peaceful elections ahead of the 2027 general polls.

Reacting to the reported statement, “If you rig, you die,” attributed to an senator Ovie Omo-Agege, Idawene described such language as inappropriate, dangerous and inconsistent with democratic values.

He expressed concern that threatening political rhetoric could encourage violence and create unnecessary tension among supporters of different political parties.

According to him, elections should be regarded as democratic contests rather than opportunities for intimidation, threats or bloodshed.

“I received the news with a lot of concern. It is inappropriate for a political leader to make such a statement. Nigeria has gone beyond that stage. Elections are localised, and we are one family,” he said.

In the same vein, Nwachukwu stressed that no political ambition or electoral disagreement should justify threats to human life.

He called on political leaders to exercise restraint in their public statements and avoid expressions capable of inciting their supporters to violence.

“Such a statement is very bad because it creates the impression that killing someone over an election is acceptable. Integrity Group condemns the statement in its entirety. It is unpatriotic and should be withdrawn,” he declared.

The Integrity Group as a body reiterated its opposition to electoral violence, intimidation and inflammatory campaigns, urging political actors to promote peaceful participation and respect for democratic processes.

It further reaffirmed its commitment to supporting President Tinubu, Governor Oborevwori and other APC candidates in the 2027 general elections, expressing confidence that the party’s performance in government would strengthen its electoral prospects.