My decision to join APC yielding positive results – Delta gov

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the National Elective Convention of the All Progressives Congress, describing it as a reflection of the party’s growing strength and national acceptance.

According to a statement made available to PUNCH Online on Saturday, speaking to journalists at the convention held at Eagle Square, Abuja, on Friday night, the governor said his decision to join the APC in April 2025 was already yielding positive results for Delta State.

Oborevwori said his defection to the ruling party was driven by the need to align the state with the Federal Government, noting that the move has improved access to resources and enhanced governance outcomes.

“I’m happy to be here today. That bold decision we took on April 28, 2025, is manifesting today. I was the first governor after the 2023 election to move into APC. That was done because we wanted to connect with the centre, and we have connected to the centre. Other state governors have also emulated the decision we took,” he said.

He noted that increased revenue allocation to states has improved their capacity to meet key obligations, including payment of salaries and execution of projects.

“We are happy with the decision we took because the policies and programmes of Mr President are working. But you know, it takes time. We know the sufferings of Nigerians; the policies are yielding, it’s a gradual process,” he said.

“You know, before now, the money that was coming to the states was not much, and paying salaries was difficult. These days, we can pay salaries, we can pay our contractors. A lot of things are working for us.

“I will tell you, if Mr President is not doing well, my other brother governors will not come and join. As we speak today, we are 31 governors in the APC. No political party has gotten 31 governors since 1999. This is the first time.

“The crowd you are seeing here today shows that Mr President is focused, he is bold, and he is taking us somewhere. We believe that Nigerians will pay back by re-electing him in 2027.”

On his administration’s performance, Oborevwori reaffirmed his commitment to delivering more dividends of democracy, particularly in key sectors.

“In infrastructure, we are doing well. In health and education, we are doing well. In security, we are making progress,” he said.

He also highlighted improvements in oil production, noting that there were no recent attacks on oil facilities in the state, leading to increased output.

“Delta State remains number one in oil production, and we are going to do more for our people,” he added.

The governor urged residents of the state to continue supporting President Bola Tinubu’s administration as well as his government, assuring them of sustained efforts to improve their welfare.