The Governorship candidate of National Democratic Congress(NDC), Deacon Chris Iyovwaye has said that with his antecedents in the private sector he has the capacity to reset and transform Delta state into the most industrialized state in the country, saying his rivals can’t because they are career politicians, jokers and most of them are incompetent.
Deacon Iyovwaye who spoke at a town-hall meeting for Delta State professional in Effurun, Uvwie LGA in Delta state yesterday(12/11/2026) said the world would start taking Nigeria seriously with steady power supply, more money spent on education and health as well as zero acceptance for the so-called “African time”
The governorship candidate decried the disappearance or collapse of more than 40 companies that previously operated in the state over the past two decades, accusing successive administrations of failing to intervene effectively.
He promised to attract the companies back and create an investment-friendly environment capable of drawing local and international investors, stressing that his more than 30 years of private-sector experience would be deployed to transform Delta into an industrial hub.
Iyovwaye lamented that the state’s mineral and natural resources had not been adequately harnessed to generate employment and economic opportunities for its growing population, particularly youths.
On development in oil-producing communities, he criticised the alleged failure to release the statutory 50 per cent share of the 13 per cent derivation revenue earmarked for the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC).
“The 13 per cent derivation for DESOPADEC, they should unlock that money. I don’t see why they cannot unlock it. This is something that has been gazetted by law,” he said.
Explaining his position, Iyovwaye said the 13 per cent derivation arrangement provides for a 50-50 sharing between the state government and host communities, arguing that releasing the communities’ share would accelerate development across oil-producing areas.
“If that money is released, you will see development everywhere and it will cascade back to the people,” he added.
He also questioned the practical implementation of local government autonomy in the state, alleging that councils remained under the influence of the state government and promising to ensure they were empowered to execute projects independently.
“This will not be the narrative under our leadership. We’ll ensure 50 per cent of our derivation goes to DESOPADEC and our councils are free to deliver projects to the people,” he said.
On electricity, the NDC candidate expressed sympathy for communities that had reportedly remained without public power supply for years, promising to address the situation if elected.
“There are places in Delta State that have not seen light in the past ten years. We move around and the people tell us. Ten years, no light? That will not happen under my leadership,” Iyovwaye said.Buy Maps
He described gas flaring as an unacceptable waste of resources, arguing that harnessing gas for electricity generation would provide a practical solution to the state’s power challenges.
“The one that even pains me more is gas flaring. If you turbine gas, it’s instant electricity. It’s not rocket science to do,” he added.
The governorship candidate also promised to deploy technology in tackling insecurity, declaring that his administration would treat attacks on residents as a serious threat to public safety.
“I will declare a state of emergency for the death of a Deltan,” he vowed.
He maintained that industrialisation and economic prosperity would require citizens to work productively and government to create the enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
“When the worst of people decide to rule over the people, there will be no progress. It’s time to change the narrative. When the people fail to use the night and day, the people are not going anywhere. Development comes with people working night and day. We’ll ensure Delta returns as an industrial hub of this country,” he said.Buy Maps
Iyovwaye also called for an end to nepotism in public appointments, insisting that competence, professionalism and merit would guide appointments under his administration.
“Round pegs must be put in round holes,” he said, arguing that professionals should occupy positions where their expertise would contribute meaningfully to governance.
He further maintained that leadership should be measured by service and tangible contributions to society rather than the mere occupation of public office.
He pledged to serve only one term if elected in 2027, promising to honour the state’s informal power rotation arrangement by handing over to Delta South in 2031.
According to him, his decision to serve a single four-year term was driven by his commitment to the rotational understanding among Delta’s three senatorial districts, insisting that political agreements must be respected.
“Let me make this very clear here. I am very much aware of the rotational system in Delta State. I am from Delta Central; I’ll serve one term. I’ll honour the gentleman agreement by ceding power to Delta South in 2031. You can trust me on this. I’ll honour it,” he declared.
In their separate remarks, the NDC deputy governorship candidate, Dr Godwin Ossai, and the keynote speaker from Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State, Dr Ebipuade Sapae-Obi, identified the leadership recruitment process as a major obstacle to development.Buy Maps
They urged Deltans to support Iyovwaye in the 2027 governorship election, arguing that the state would struggle to achieve industrialisation and sustainable development without competent leadership.
The Director-General of the Deacon Chris Iyovwaye Campaign Organisation, Dr Alfred Mulade, also appealed to the professional stakeholders to support the NDC candidate, describing him as possessing the blueprint needed to develop the state.
