By Praise Akpomedaye,
The Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has celebrated Governor Sheriff Oborevwori following the emergence of Delta State as Nigeria's second-best-governed state in the 2025 Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies (CIAPS) Governance Performance Index (CGPI), describing the recognition as an independent validation of the governor's leadership and transformational governance agenda.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the party's State Publicity Secretary, Valentine Onojeghuo Esq., the APC expressed "immense joy and pride" over the development, noting that the prestigious ranking placed Delta State second only to Kaduna State among the nation's 36 states. The party said the ranking was "a clear, independent and objective validation of the outstanding leadership, administrative competence and transformational governance being provided" by Governor Oborevwori.
According to the APC, the recognition did not come as a surprise to the party and many residents of the state because the administration's achievements are visible across the three senatorial districts. "For us as a party and indeed for millions of Deltans, this recognition comes as no surprise. It is merely a confirmation of the obvious," the statement said. The party added that "across the three senatorial districts of the state, the footprints of purposeful governance are visible for all to see," citing projects in road construction and rehabilitation, healthcare, education, security, youth empowerment, rural development and economic growth as evidence of the governor's performance.
The APC stressed that the significance of the CIAPS ranking lies in the credibility of its assessment process, arguing that the result was not influenced by politics or propaganda. "The CIAPS ranking is particularly significant because it is not based on political propaganda, partisan sentiments or media hype. It is the outcome of a rigorous assessment of governance performance, service delivery and public administration across Nigeria," the party stated. It further described Delta State's ranking as "a powerful endorsement of the Governor's MORE Agenda and a resounding affirmation that the administration is on the right path."
The ruling party in the state also argued that the recognition reinforced the views of political observers and development experts who have commended the governor's performance since assuming office. According to the statement, Governor Oborevwori "has, within a short period, recorded achievements that many administrations struggle to attain in much longer periods." The APC attributed the accomplishment to what it described as the governor's "people-centred approach to governance, commitment to infrastructural renewal and prudent management of public resources," which it said had transformed Delta into one of Nigeria's leading models of subnational governance.
The party used the opportunity to take a swipe at opposition figures, claiming that the latest ranking had exposed what it termed the "emptiness of the criticisms and misinformation" being spread by political opponents. "The truth remains that Governor Oborevwori's sterling performance and growing acceptance among Deltans have continued to unsettle and frustrate political opponents whose predictions of failure have been comprehensively disproved by facts and verifiable results," the statement said.
Delta APC also declared that the governor's achievements had become "a source of sleepless nights for those who thrive on negativity and political bitterness." It maintained that while critics continued searching for faults in the administration, "independent institutions and objective observers are busy recognising and applauding the remarkable progress being recorded under his administration."
The party consequently urged Governor Oborevwori to remain focused and not allow political criticism to distract him from implementing his development agenda. "The people of Delta State are witnesses to the transformative projects and impactful policies being implemented across the state, and they remain firmly behind a Governor who has consistently demonstrated capacity, humility and a sincere passion for massive development," the statement noted.
Expressing confidence in the future of the administration, the APC predicted that the CIAPS recognition would be one of many accolades Delta State would receive as the government deepens the implementation of its M.O.R.E. Agenda. "We have no doubt that the administration's best days are still ahead and that even greater milestones will be achieved in the years to come," the party said.
The APC congratulated Governor Oborevwori, members of the State Executive Council, public servants and residents of the state for what it described as a collective achievement. It concluded that the latest ranking had reaffirmed "a simple but undeniable fact that Delta State is working" and that under Governor Oborevwori's leadership, the state "is firmly on the path to greater prosperity and sustainable development."
