Otunba Nick Ovuakporie, the former Delta State Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has officially withdrawn from the Delta South Senatorial race. He cited a strategic decision to concentrate his efforts and resources on the reelection of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, devoid of distraction, as his primary reason.

At a press conference held at his Asaba office on Thursday, Ovuakporie announced his withdrawal, redirecting his political capital toward supporting the M.O.R.E administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a statement, Ovuakporie acknowledged the significant backing he had already garnered: “Although I have commenced consultations and received widespread support from critical leaders/stakeholders and party members alike across the senatorial district and the state at large, I have decided to sacrifice my Senatorial ambition to focus on advancing the M.O.R.E administration development programs and the Renewed Hope transformation initiatives.”

He elaborated on his reasoning, stating: “Having painstakingly reviewed the numerous calls for me to represent the industrious people of Delta South senatorial district in the 2027 general elections, I opt to sacrifice my lifelong Senate ambition on the altar of state and national development. I have decided to step down to concentrate on the re-election of our dear governor, His Excellency, Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, and that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Ovuakporie emphasised that the current development drive at both levels requires undivided commitment. “The statewide development drive, propelled by the M.O.R.E administration’s policies and reforms of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and the Renewed Hope administration’s policies and reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, requires total commitment and focus from party stakeholders like me.”

Reaffirming his loyalty, he declared: “I therefore affirm my unalloyed loyalty to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who is a true progressive leader working tirelessly to transform all parts of the state. I pledge my unflinching support for the Governor’s ‘M.O.R.E’ agenda; my withdrawal would further strengthen unity in Delta State and the Party in particular.”