ASABA — Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has sparked a political controversy after reportedly linking civil servants’ support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general election to his administration’s 13th-month salary payment.
Oborevwori made the remarks on Thursday during the inauguration of the Delta APC Campaign Council at The Dome Event Centre in Asaba, where he unveiled “MORE Plus” as the theme of his re-election campaign.
Key Highlights
- Governor Sheriff Oborevwori reportedly said Delta civil servants had “no choice” but to vote for the APC in 2027.
- The governor highlighted the state’s 13th-month salary package, which he said would amount to double pay in December.
- The remarks were made during the inauguration of the Delta APC Campaign Council in Asaba.
- Oborevwori urged campaign council members to mobilise voters across wards and polling units.
- The comments raise questions about workers’ political freedom and whether public welfare benefits are being linked to partisan support.
Oborevwori Speaks on 13th-Month Salary
Speaking at the campaign council inauguration, Oborevwori reportedly said the 13th-month salary package had strengthened the relationship between his administration and civil servants, Vanguard reported.
“Today civil servants have no choice not to vote us. They have no choice. 13th month (salary) is huge, times two. Some people don’t understand what 13th month,” the governor was quoted as saying.
Explaining the payment arrangement, he said eligible workers would receive an amount equivalent to an additional month’s salary in December, describing the package as double pay.
“What you’re receiving now is times two in December. That is the meaning of 13th month. Whether you’re an appointee, whether a public servant, whether a civil servant, you’re receiving your 13th month,” he reportedly said.
The remarks have drawn attention to the relationship between the state government’s welfare policies and the political campaign ahead of the 2027 elections.
Governor Urges APC Campaign Council to Mobilise Voters
The governor also charged members of the Delta APC Campaign Council to take President Bola Tinubu’s message to the grassroots and mobilise support across wards and polling units.
He described their appointments as a call to service and urged them to work towards strengthening the party’s electoral prospects.
The campaign council’s inauguration forms part of the APC’s preparations for the 2027 general election in Delta State, where Oborevwori is seeking another term in office.
Remarks Raise Questions About Workers’ Political Freedom
The reported statement that civil servants have “no choice” but to vote for the APC could generate debate among organised labour, opposition parties and civil society groups.
Public-sector workers retain their individual political rights, and the provision of a salary benefit does not remove their freedom to choose which candidate or political party to support.
Nigeria’s electoral laws prohibit electoral bribery and other forms of unlawful inducement. Whether the governor’s reported remarks amount to a legal violation would depend on the full context, the applicable law and any further evidence; the statement alone does not establish that an offence has occurred.
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The controversy also raises questions about whether the 13th-month salary is an established welfare policy available to eligible workers or whether its continuation could be affected by a change in government.
The Delta State Government had reportedly indicated plans to prepare an executive bill to provide legal backing for the payment, potentially making it more difficult for a future administration to discontinue the benefit. The status and provisions of any such bill require confirmation.
Labour, Opposition Reactions Awaited
Reactions from organised labour, opposition parties and civil society groups will be important in determining how the governor’s comments are received and whether they prompt demands for clarification.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) are among the labour bodies whose views could help clarify workers’ concerns.
The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, could not be reached to clarify whether the remarks were intended to suggest that workers would reward the administration for its welfare policies or that their 13th-month salary was conditional on supporting the APC.
As of the information available for this report, official responses from the government and organised labour had not been provided. This report may be updated as verified reactions become available.
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