Delta Assembly warns politicians against violence ahead of 2027 elections

The Delta State House of Assembly has warned politicians and their supporters against turning the 2027 elections into a contest of bitterness and violence, urging them to focus on ideas, competence and service to the people.

The Speaker of the House, Guwor Dennis, gave the warning on Wednesday while addressing lawmakers as the assembly resumed plenary after its 2026 annual recess.

Guwor said the coming election season should be about presenting programmes and candidates capable of improving people’s lives rather than engaging in personal attacks, violence and division.

He noted that campaigns for the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections had commenced on August 19, while campaigns for the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections would begin on September 9.

The Speaker urged political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders to conduct themselves responsibly throughout the electoral process.

He said, “ideas, programmes, competence, character and service” should guide the campaigns, stressing that elections should never be treated as a do-or-die affair.

Guwor also described the planned increase in Delta State’s State Constituencies from 29 to 38 as a major development ahead of the 2027 elections.

The expansion will create nine additional constituencies and, according to the speaker, give more communities direct representation in the House.

He said the development would strengthen grassroots participation and give more residents a voice in legislative affairs.

“Representation remains at the heart of democracy,” Guwor said, describing the expansion as historic for the state.

With the resumption of legislative activities, the speaker directed lawmakers to return to work with renewed commitment and ensure that pending Bills, Motions and Petitions receive prompt attention.

He also urged committee chairmen and members to apply the knowledge gained from their leadership training at the London Business School to their legislative responsibilities.

Guwor said the House remained committed to effective legislation, oversight and representation as part of its contribution to the development of Delta State.

He also commended the Delta State Government for organising the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit during the legislative recess.

He said the summit provided an opportunity to showcase the state’s investment potential and connect Delta with investors from within and outside Nigeria.

Guwor assured investors that the assembly would continue to provide the legislative support required to create an enabling environment for businesses, investment and economic growth.

He also congratulated Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the people of Delta State on the 35th anniversary of the state’s creation.

Guwor expressed gratitude to God for protecting lawmakers and their families during the recess and welcomed members back to the chamber.

He urged the lawmakers to immediately settle down to legislative business, saying the remaining part of the legislative calendar required greater commitment to deliver on the expectations of their constituents.