A political pressure group, The Native Deltans (TND), has urged residents of Delta State to unite across party lines, religious affiliations, and ethnic backgrounds to end what it described as decades of non-impactful governance by the ruling political establishment.
The call was made in a statement signed by the group’s State Chairman, Prince Emma Esi, and Secretary, Rev. Emiko Obiyoru, and made available to journalists in Asaba.
TND lamented that Deltans have endured years of poor leadership, unfulfilled promises, and misplaced priorities, insisting that the time has come for a decisive political shift capable of giving the state a fresh identity and clear development direction.
The group criticised the continued recycling of the same political actors under a single dominant party, noting that despite Delta State’s vast financial resources, the arrangement has failed to deliver meaningful and sustainable development.
Expressing concern over the huge monthly federal allocations to the state—particularly following the removal of fuel subsidy—TND said such revenues should have translated into visible infrastructure, improved public services, and better living conditions for residents.
Instead, the group argued that Delta State has little to show for its earnings, alleging that over 26 years of uninterrupted rule by the same political structure have produced poorly executed projects that fall short of expectations for a resource-rich state.
TND maintained that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presents a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 elections, capable of reforming governance and restoring accountability in the state.
The group also urged voters to look beyond zoning arrangements and ethnic sentiments, which it said have failed to deliver tangible benefits, while unfavourably comparing Delta’s development pace with neighbouring Rivers and Akwa Ibom states.
Using a cultural metaphor, TND encouraged Deltans to embrace change, saying the people must be willing to “try a new soup” rather than remain trapped in a one-party system it described as unproductive.
“We cannot keep climbing only one staircase or eating the same soup every time,” the statement said. “It is time to try a different option and see the difference, instead of remaining in a one-party system that has not meaningfully impacted the lives of Deltans.”
