Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has linked his administration’s 13th-month salary package to support for the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring that civil servants benefiting from the payment have little reason to vote against the party in the 2027 general elections.
Oborevwori made the remarks on Thursday, October 22, during the inauguration of the Delta State APC Campaign Council in Asaba, where he unveiled “MORE Plus” as the theme of his re-election campaign.
The governor, who chairs the campaign council, argued that the additional salary payment was a significant benefit to workers and should encourage them to support the continuation of his administration.
“Today civil servants have no choice not to vote us. They have no choice. 13th month (salary) is huge, times two,” he said.
Explaining the arrangement, Oborevwori said eligible workers would receive twice their regular monthly salary in December, describing the payment as the equivalent of a 13th-month salary.
He said the arrangement covered political appointees, public servants and civil servants.
The governor presented the payment as part of his administration’s efforts to improve workers’ welfare, while linking the benefits to the APC’s campaign for the 2027 elections.
His comments place the state's salary policy within the wider political mobilisation taking place ahead of the next general election.
However, receiving a government benefit does not remove a citizen’s constitutional right to choose a preferred candidate or political party in a free and fair election.
Oborevwori charged members of the newly inaugurated campaign council to take President Bola Tinubu’s message to communities across Delta State and mobilise support at polling units and wards.
He urged members to work with unity, discipline and commitment, stressing that the government’s achievements should be communicated effectively to voters.
The governor also highlighted areas covered by his administration’s M.O.R.E Agenda, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, workers’ welfare, youth empowerment and security.
Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme and other APC leaders also called for stronger grassroots mobilisation and urged party members to communicate the policies and achievements of the Tinubu and Oborevwori administrations.
The inauguration comes as political parties begin preparations for the 2027 general elections, with economic conditions, public-sector welfare and the performance of elected officials expected to feature prominently in campaign debates.
Oborevwori’s remarks have placed the 13th-month salary package at the centre of his party’s appeal to public-sector workers. Whether the benefit translates into electoral support will ultimately be determined by voters when they cast their ballots.