Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has sparked political debate after stating that it would be “evil” for Deltans to vote against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, pointing to what he described as the president’s family ties to the state through First Lady Oluremi Tinubu.
According to Vanguard, the governor made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television on Tuesday, where he argued that President Bola Tinubu stands out among likely contenders due to his perceived connection with Delta State and should therefore enjoy strong backing from its people.
According to him, Tinubu’s relationship with the state goes beyond politics and has a cultural and familial dimension.
“The man is an in-law here, and it would be evil to vote against your in-law. It’s a family affair,” Oborevwori said, adding that many in the South-South now see the president as one of their own.
He further claimed that past political decisions in the region had been influenced by what he described as misplaced trust, insisting that voters were now more politically aware.
Oborevwori also linked the First Lady’s background to growing support for the president in Delta State, especially among key ethnic groups.
“The First Lady is holding the state strong, and no Itsekiri person will vote against Tinubu. No Urhobo man will because their son is the governor,” he stated.
On governance, the governor defended the economic direction of the Tinubu administration, arguing that federal reforms have improved revenue allocations to states, allowing for increased project execution.
“Sometimes when I commission projects and say we have money, it is because of the reforms. If they were not working, we would not have funds,” he said.
The comments come months after First Lady Oluremi Tinubu was honoured with a traditional title in the Warri Kingdom in February 2026.
She was installed as Utukpa-Oritse, also known as Ugbone, meaning “Light of God,” by the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III.
During the ceremony, she described the recognition as a symbol of unity and a reminder of her commitment to public service and national cohesion.