2027: Why Isoko Nation is supporting Tinubu’s second term bid – Timi
By Deborah Coker
President Bola Tinubu’s endorsement for a second term in office by the Isoko Nation is a reflection of the growing recognition of his administration’s policy direction and reform initiatives.
The Secretary, Media/Publicity Committee of Delta Campaign Council, Dr Tonye Timi, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Abuja on Wednesday.
Timi also said that the endorsement was a significant expression of confidence in the leadership, policies and development direction of both the administration of Tinubu and Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori.
He added Oborevwori’s endorsement at a grand reception organised in honour of the governor and his wife, Tobore, at Isoko House, Oleh, on Tuesday represented a significant milestone in Delta’s political landscape.
He said this was particularly given the historical reputation of the Isoko Nation for its collective political consciousness, unity of purpose and coordinated voting disposition.
‘’The endorsement is therefore an important political statement, with considerable implications for the 2027 general elections and the political fortunes of the candidates enjoying the confidence of the Isoko people.
“The endorsement reflects growing recognition of the policy direction and reform initiatives of President Tinubu’s administration as well as the developmental strides being recorded in Delta under Gov. Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda,’’ he said.
Timi noted that under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria had embarked on significant economic reforms aimed at repositioning the country’s economy, strengthening public finances, attracting investment and creating a more sustainable foundation for national development.
He listed the major policy interventions to include removal of petroleum subsidy, foreign exchange unification and comprehensive reform of the national tax administration framework.
‘’These measures, although initially challenging, are intended to address structural weaknesses in the economy, improve revenue generation, strengthen fiscal sustainability and restore investor confidence.
‘’The administration has also recorded progress in infrastructure development, with major investments in road construction and rehabilitation, including the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway and Sokoto-Badagry super highway.
‘’The expansion of domestic refining capacity is equally contributing to Nigeria’s energy security and reducing dependence on imported petroleum products,’’ he stated.
Timi also said that in the education sector, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) had expanded access to tertiary education financing.
‘’Interventions in agriculture, healthcare, housing and consumer credit are also creating additional opportunities for economic participation and social inclusion.
‘’These initiatives demonstrate the administration’s commitment to addressing long-standing national challenges through structural reforms, infrastructure investment and targetted social interventions,’’ he added.
The media/publicity committee secretary stated that Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda had also continued to provide the strategic framework for development and governance in state.
‘’The MORE acronym, representing Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security, encapsulates the administration’s commitment to inclusive development, improved infrastructure, economic opportunities, institutional reforms and a secure environment for sustainable growth.
‘’Across the state, the administration has prioritised road infrastructure, healthcare delivery, education, youth empowerment, security and human capital development.
‘’Notable infrastructure interventions include the Emevor-Orogun Road Phase II and the completion of the Trans-Warri Road project, including its 15 bridges, which the governor recently announced was awaiting inauguration.
‘’These projects are significant contributions to connectivity, commerce, mobility and economic development within the state,’’ he said.
Timi noted that the administration’s interventions in healthcare and education, alongside its commitment to equitable distribution of development projects across the three senatorial districts, further underscored the people-centred philosophy of the MORE Agenda.
‘’For the Isoko Nation, these development initiatives represent an important opportunity to strengthen its participation in the broader development agenda of Delta and benefit from the dividends of effective collaboration between the state and federal governments,’’ he said.
According to him, the endorsement goes beyond its immediate political implications, as it underscores the importance of political unity, constructive engagement and strategic collaboration between the federal and Delta governments as well as communities across the South-South region.
‘’The renewed hope agenda and the MORE agenda provides a framework for stronger intergovernmental cooperation, improved access to federal development opportunities and accelerated delivery of projects and programmes capable of positively transforming the lives of the people.
‘’It is also important to emphasise the role of the traditional institution, the Isoko Development Union, political stakeholders and other community leaders in articulating the collective aspirations of the Isoko people.
‘’This endorsement will further strengthen the relationship between the Isoko Nation and the various levels of government.
‘’It will also encourage sustained attention to the developmental priorities of the area, particularly road infrastructure, electricity, healthcare, education, employment and economic empowerment.
‘’The most enduring measure of political leadership is its capacity to translate public confidence into tangible improvements in the lives of citizens,” he said.
Timi said that the Isoko nation’s endorsement was, therefore, a significant expression of confidence in the direction of governance at both the national and state levels.
“It is a call for the consolidation of development gains, stronger partnerships and gre
ater delivery of democratic dividends,’’ he concluded.
(NAN)
