Delta NDC gov candidate Chris Iyovwaye calls for freedom from poverty and poor governance, outlining his proposed RESET agenda for 2027
Nigeria Democratic Congress governorship candidate in Delta State, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, has called for what he described as Delta’s “independence” from poverty, unemployment, insecurity and poor governance ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
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Iyovwaye made the call in an Independence Day address made available to PUNCH Online on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, as Nigeria prepares to mark its 66th Independence Anniversary.
The Delta NDC gov candidate said the anniversary should prompt Nigerians to consider whether independence had translated into freedom from hunger, fear, unemployment and inadequate public services.
“A man who cannot feed his family is not independent,” Iyovwaye said.
“A young graduate who has no job after four years at university is not independent. A mother who cannot take her child to hospital because there is no hospital is not independent.”
He said his message extended beyond Nigeria’s national independence to what he described as Delta State’s need for a political and economic reset.
“On this Independence Day, I have chosen to speak to you about something deeper. Not just Nigeria’s independence, but Delta’s independence.
“It is time to RESET Delta State,” he said.
Iyovwaye pointed to Delta’s oil, gas, coastline, fertile land and human resources as assets that could support broader economic development.
He argued, however, that the state’s natural wealth had not sufficiently translated into improved living conditions for many residents.
“We see a rich state, but our people are poor,” he said, while criticising the condition of some schools, hospitals and roads.
The candidate also raised concerns about youth migration, saying young people from different parts of Delta were leaving the state in search of employment and better opportunities.
Under his proposed RESET agenda, Iyovwaye said a future administration would seek to diversify the state’s economy, attract private investment and strengthen public institutions.
He said Delta should reduce its reliance on federal allocations by developing its industrial, agricultural and maritime potential.
“Delta State should not be waiting for federal allocation to survive. That is laziness. How can a state with a port in Warri and Koko be waiting for Abuja every month?” he said.
Iyovwaye also outlined plans to promote industrialisation, convert gas into electricity, support mechanised agriculture and expand opportunities for young people.
“Our RESET agenda will industrialize Delta. We will make Delta work again,” he said.
He proposed reforms to the civil service and local government system, alongside greater transparency in public spending.
The candidate said his proposed government would publish details of government expenditure and seek to improve accountability in the management of public funds.
“Our RESET will restore dignity to our institutions. We will run a transparent government where every kobo spent will be published,” he said.
Iyovwaye also called on Deltans to look beyond what he described as tribal politics and focus on governance and development.
“Let us use this Independence Day to declare our own independence. Independence from bad governance. Independence from tribal politics,” he said.
He concluded by drawing a parallel between Nigeria’s independence from British colonial rule in 1960 and his proposed political change in Delta State in 2027.
“In 2027, Deltans must say we are free from failed leadership,” Iyovwaye said.
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He urged residents to support what he described as a “new Delta” focused on economic opportunity, stronger institutions and improved living standards.
