ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has urged Christian leaders in the state to take a more active role in the political process, saying decisions made through politics affect virtually every aspect of society.
Oborevwori spoke on Wednesday when the Executive Committee of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Delta State, led by its Chairman, Bishop Abos Willie, paid him a special prayer visit at Government House, Asaba.
The governor said Christians should not completely distance themselves from politics, stressing that responsible participation was necessary if the church wanted to influence decisions affecting governance and society.
He also called on the Christian community to intensify prayers for peace, good governance and the country’s leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections.
While reiterating his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other APC candidates, Oborevwori said his position was consistent with his membership of the ruling party.
“I am an APC man. I must work for my President and I must work for my candidates. I will continue to speak for them,” he said.
The governor also urged Christians who believed his administration was performing well to extend their goodwill to the President, saying political support should be accompanied by prayers for wisdom, strength, good health and divine guidance
“If you love me and you believe I am doing well as Governor, extend that love to Mr. President and to all my candidates. That is the truth,” he said.
Oborevwori said his emergence as governor in 2023 was made possible by the grace of God and the prayers of Christian leaders, urging the PFN and other faith leaders to sustain their prayers for Nigeria and Delta State.
He said the 2027 elections should not be viewed solely through political calculations, adding that Christians should recognise the place of divine will while participating responsibly in the electoral process.
The governor also spoke on the impact of the Federal Government’s economic reforms, saying increased financial capacity at the state and local government levels was creating room for more development projects.
He cited the ability of local governments to undertake projects, including roads and healthcare infrastructure, as an indication that the reforms were beginning to produce results.
“Before now, to pay salaries was a problem. To construct roads was a problem. Councils could not even execute projects. But now, local governments can do projects because the reforms are working,” he said.
Oborevwori said his administration had continued to use available resources to execute infrastructure and other development projects across Delta State, with some completed and others still ongoing.
He also appealed to the PFN leadership to continue praying for peace and stability in Delta State, saying the prevailing security situation must be sustained to support development.
Earlier, Willie said the PFN had resolved to establish prayer centres across Delta State as part of its preparations for the 2027 elections.
According to him, the initiative would focus on seeking divine intervention for peaceful campaigns and a violence-free electoral process.
The PFN chairman commended Oborevwori for what he described as achievements in infrastructure, peace and development across the state, as well as his handling of potentially volatile situations.
Willie said the fellowship was proud of the administration’s performance under the MORE Agenda and assured the governor of continued prayers for his administration.
He also disclosed that the PFN had strengthened its grassroots structure across the state, with about 4,150 ward officers and coordinators expected to be deployed.
Beyond its religious activities, Willie said the fellowship had established a College of Theology with more than 300 students and was completing a hatchery project as part of its contribution to economic empowerment.
He further commended the governor for organising the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit, describing the initiative as a significant step towards attracting investment and expanding economic opportunities in the state.
The PFN chairman assured the governor of continued prayers for wisdom, strength and divine favour, as well as for the peace, recognition and development of Delta State.
