By Deborah Coker
A socio-political group, Delta Political Vanguard (DPV), says President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta deserve a second tenure after an impressive first term in office.
Chairman of the group, Chief Michael Diden, popularly known as Ejele, said this while addressing members of the group at an enlarged meeting in Asaba.
This is contained in a statement by the Media and Publicity Unit of the DPV made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Saturday.
Diden, while emphasising the importance of continuity, policy evaluation and sustained national development, called on residents of Delta and Nigerians across the southern region to engage actively in the political process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He underscored the significance of the forthcoming elections to Nigeria’s political and economic future, noting that the re-election bids of southern Nigerian presidents had historically unfolded against complex political considerations.
Diden, a former member of Delta State Oil Producing and Development Commission (DESOPADEC) board, cited the experience of former President Goodluck Jonathan who, he said, lost his re-election bid in 2015 in spite of his administration’s achievements in several sectors.
He urged Nigerians to reflect carefully on the lessons of that election and assess the current administration on the basis of its policies, achievements and long-term implications for national development.
According to him, the 2027 elections present an opportunity for citizens to evaluate the ongoing reforms of the president and consider their implications for economic stability, public services, infrastructure development and the livelihoods of ordinary Nigerians.
“The president’s reform agenda is bold and necessary, and its emerging outcomes deserve sustained public scrutiny and consideration,” he said.
While acknowledging the fact that the reforms had generated significant debate and economic pressures for many households and businesses, he, however, maintained that their long-term objectives should be assessed alongside the challenges of implementation.
Diden highlighted several policy areas, including student financing through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), efforts to stabilise the foreign-exchange market, changes in fuel supply and distribution, electricity-sector reforms and renewed discussions around state policing.
These, he said, were part of broader efforts to address insecurity.
The DPV chairman also noted the increased statutory allocations available to the three tiers of government, following the removal of fuel subsidy.
According to him, the effective use of public resources by state and local governments can support grassroots development, including road construction, public infrastructure and essential services.
He emphasised the importance of sustainable funding for tertiary education, constructive engagement between government and university unions, and policies that strengthen access to education and reduce disruptions to academic calendars.
He urged stakeholders to continue evaluating these areas against measurable outcomes and the practical experiences of students, workers and families.
On infrastructure, he noted that state governments across the federation had opportunities to translate public revenues into visible development projects.
Diden stated that the ultimate test of government policy was its ability to improve living conditions, expand economic opportunities and deliver tangible benefits to citizens at the grassroots.
He called on the people of Delta, particularly political stakeholders and community leaders, to participate responsibly in the 2027 electoral process, assess the records of candidates and engage in informed discussions about the future of the country.
Diden also urged members and supporters of DPV to remain actively engaged in the democratic process and support the party’s candidates through lawful political participation, peaceful mobilisation and issue-based engagement.
He reaffirmed the importance of democratic continuity, effective governance and responsible citizenship, while calling on residents to approach the forthcoming elections with a clear understanding of the issues at stake and a commitment to peaceful participation.
(NAN)
