Delta State’s political terrain was jolted over the weekend following a bold declaration by the Chief of Staff to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Prince Johnson Erijo, that has been widely interpreted as an early endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term bid, and a possible preview of the governor’s political realignment.
Speaking at a prominent church event in Sapele, the 49th birthday and 27th pastoral anniversary celebration of Archbishop Godday Iboyi, Erijo, representing Governor Oborevwori, declared that the Governor’s administration would end in 2031, the same year a potential second term of President Tinubu would conclude.
“It is the way the terminal bus stop of our President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is going to end in 2031, that is the same way that of your son, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, is going to end in 2031,” Erijo stated.
“Back in 1999 when PDP was formed, one of your sons, Professor Sam Oyovwaire, was expected to be Governor. But it pleased God for Delta to wait until now.
“God knows why we waited to have an Okpe Governor,” he said, suggesting a deeper political narrative”.
The statement, delivered from the pulpit of the Promise Kingdom Ministry (Overflow), has triggered intense political speculation, with many interpreting it as a tacit endorsement of Tinubu’s re-election campaign and a strategic distancing from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Political Alignment or Calculated Messaging?
The timing and tone of Erijo’s remarks are seen as more than symbolic.
Coming on the heels of the launch of the ‘Door to Door for Tinubu’ campaign group by Delta South senatorial hopeful Michael Diden (a.k.a. Ejele), who, despite claiming loyalty to the PDP, openly backs Tinubu, the signals from Delta’s political elite are becoming harder to ignore.
Governor Oborevwori himself has not issued a formal statement of defection but has noted that if “President Tinubu fails, he too has failed”.
However, recent comments urging supporters to “back President Tinubu” have only intensified speculation about an imminent political shift, one that could see Delta’s number one citizen cross party lines to align with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Analysts Weigh In
Political observers say the developments reflect deep strategic recalibrations within the Delta political hierarchy.
With the PDP facing internal rifts nationally and the APC consolidating at the center, some state actors appear poised to reposition ahead of the 2027 and 2031 electoral cycles.
“This isn’t just a gaffe or a symbolic gesture. It’s part of a larger choreography we’ve seen unfolding,” a political analyst noted.
“Oborevwori’s camp is sending deliberate signals, and Tinubu’s camp is receiving them loud and clear.”
While no formal moves have been made, the undertones of defection, realignment, and power brokering are now in full play—leaving Delta’s political landscape bracing for impact.
Credit: NaijaNews except headline
