Arise Interview: Where Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori Miscalculated

By May Abbi

For the first time Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State appeared on live television to talk about Delta state, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, Ede Dafinone and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Since he became Governor of the state, he has not appeared on live TV once. Even in Delta state, he has not granted press conference to journalists for the past three years. Many journalists had raised eye brows but the governors media aides have not given it a thought. Maybe they are afraid of questions that may put the governor on hot seat. Very likely. But that is governance.

On Tuesday, June 2, 2026, the Governor Oborevwori appeared on Arise Tv, discussing issues of importance and the politics of Delta state. He raised several issues, and among the issues he raised I find fault with many, if not all the issues he addressed in that historic interview.

He said Ovie Omo-Agege who is contesting for Delta Central senatorial seat on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is of no effect in the area. He insisted that the former deputy Senate President is of no threat to the All Progressive Congress, the ruling party. For him, he is not moved by the defection of Omo-Agege from the APC. He called his defection bluff and a wish away. He must be very wrong. Yes, he must be wrong. But I still believe he said it just for the show.

Among all the politicians in the state, it must be stated that it is only Senator Ovie Omo-Agege that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori dread his statement. His open confession on live TV is believed to be a self consolation statement. He knows deep in his heart that the defection of Omo-Agege is a big blow to his APC with the potential of ruining his ambition in 2027. This is not disputable.

Prior to the governor defecting to the APC with all PDP structure in the state, Omo-Agege was the only cause of political fear of the governor. Any statement Omo-Agege made then, his commissioner for information, Charles Aniagwu, would look for ways to counter it through continuous press briefings. Now, Sheriff Oborevwori is saying Omo-Agege is not a threat to his APC. He must be joking. That maybe one of his biggest nightmare going forward into the 2027 elections.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori also said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is his in-law and as such Delta State should not vote against their in-law. He said Oluremi Tinubu is the daughter of Delta state, hence her husband Tinubu is son in-law to Deltans, as such it will be evil and by parity of reasons, wickedness, to vote against the president who's son in-law to Delta people. This is nauseating!!

This is one of the governor's biggest mistakes on live television. Rather than discussing and pointing out, if there are any, the projects of Tinubu in Delta state as reasons, the governor said it is evil and wickedness for any Deltan to vote against Tinubu because he's son in-law to Delta state. What has son-inlaw got to do with food on the table? A son-inlaw who cannot provide food for you and is in power, is he supposed to be given space to remain in power?

Sometimes I ask some people questions, between your brother who does not care about you and someone outside your family who cares about your welfare, who would you prefer to be governor? You want me to vote for President Tinubu because he is in-law to Delta state and has not done anything substantial for the people? That would be very erroneous on my part. That would mean I do not love myself nor my people.

That is why most politicians count their words before saying them out. Oborevwori did not count his words, hence he miscalculated. And it was big for that matter. Next time, his media managers need to school him before appearing on live television. And possibly he should decline invitation so as not misfire again. A word is enough for the wise.