As political discussions ahead of the 2027 Delta State governorship election gather momentum, prominent Ijaw leader Comrade (Chief) Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has stated that the Ijaw people’s support will largely depend on the inclusion and adequate funding of development projects for riverine communities in the upcoming 2026 state budget.
Addressing journalists in Warri after an expanded meeting of Ijaw stakeholders, Mulade spoke on behalf of the Ijaw Ethnic Nationality, stressing that riverine areas mostly occupied by the Ijaw and Itsekiri people have suffered years of neglect despite being home to multinational oil and gas companies that significantly boost Delta State’s revenue.
He commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for the progress recorded in upland areas but expressed concern that key Ijaw communities such as Ogulagha, Torugbene, Oporoza, Akugbene, and Ojobo remain underdeveloped.
“These communities are heavily populated and contribute immensely to the state’s economy, yet they have been left behind under the excuse of difficult terrain,” Mulade said, urging the state government to ensure balanced and inclusive development that reflects the contributions of the riverine region.
Comrade (Chief) Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has praised Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for the remarkable progress achieved in upland parts of Delta State but appealed for similar attention to be given to riverine communities, cautioning that Ijaw political support in 2027 would depend on visible government action.
“We stood by the governor all through the elections, ensuring peace, security, and uninterrupted oil and gas production that sustain the state’s economy,” Mulade said. “Now is the time for the 2026 budget to reflect concrete and lasting legacy projects for the Delta Ijaw nation.”
He identified several key projects that should be given top priority, including the Ayakoromo Bridge, Omadino–Okerenkoko–Kokodiagbene–Escravos Road, Aladja–Ogbe-Ijoh Road, and the Ojobo–Torugbene Road.
Mulade further called for the establishment of modern health centers and general hospitals in riverine areas particularly in Ogulagha Town and urged the government to upgrade the Delta State Maritime Polytechnic, Burutu, to a campus of Delta State University, Abraka, as well as to create a Dennis Osadebe University campus at Koko for the Itsekiri community.
“The inclusion of these transformative projects in the 2026 budget will give our people a true sense of belonging and acknowledge their enormous contributions to the state,” he stressed. “A genuine commitment to riverine development will forever engrave Governor Oborevwori’s name in gold beyond politics and election promises.”
Mulade assured that if these steps are taken, the Ijaw people will wholeheartedly deliver their full support to the governor in the 2027 elections.
