2027: Inclusive Leadership Will Strengthen APC, Yugbovwre Tells Oborevwori

As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 Delta State governorship election, a conflict resolution scholar, Mr. Kenneth Yugbovwre, has called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to prioritise internal reconciliation within the All Progressives Congress (APC), warning that party unity could prove decisive in the next electoral contest.

Yugbovwre, who holds an M.Phil. in Conflict Resolution from Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, and resides in Sweden, made the call in a public commentary in which he argued that despite the APC’s recent political gains through the defection of Governor Oborevwori and several political stakeholders, the party still faces internal challenges that require urgent attention.

According to him, many legacy APC members across Delta State reportedly feel sidelined following the recent political realignments. He said complaints have continued to emerge from grassroots party leaders, including ward chairmen, women leaders, youth leaders, market women coordinators and other long-standing party faithful, who believe they have not been adequately accommodated in the party’s evolving structure.

Yugbovwre maintained that while government performance and infrastructure development remain important, electoral success is ultimately determined by strong party structures, grassroots mobilisation and internal cohesion.

He further observed that the 2027 governorship election is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in Delta State’s recent political history, noting that several influential political figures are expected to play significant roles in the contest.

Among those he mentioned is Mr. Peter Miakpor, whom he described as a respected political figure with support across different parts of the state. He also identified Chief Great Ogboru and Mr. Christopher “Oscapio” Ocapio as political actors whose influence could impact the political landscape ahead of the election.

The conflict resolution expert suggested that incumbency alone may not guarantee electoral victory if unresolved internal grievances persist and opposition parties succeed in building a united front.

He also claimed that opposition political parties are already consulting and positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 polls, making it imperative for the APC to consolidate its internal structures and strengthen party unity.

Yugbovwre therefore urged Governor Oborevwori to embark on what he described as a deliberate reconciliation process involving legacy APC members, party elders, women groups, youth organisations, market associations and grassroots leaders across the state.

According to him, ensuring that every stakeholder feels recognised and included would strengthen the party ahead of the elections and minimise the risk of internal divisions affecting both the governorship and State House of Assembly contests.

He concluded that reconciliation should commence well before the official campaign season, stressing that rebuilding trust, promoting inclusiveness and strengthening grassroots engagement would enhance the party’s electoral prospects in 2027.

Yugbovwre added that Governor Oborevwori’s chances of securing another mandate would depend not only on his administration’s record but also on his ability to unite the APC and respond to the changing political realities in Delta State.