ASABA, Delta State — The African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate for the 2027 Delta State governorship election, Engr. Isaac O. Eshor, has criticized the state of infrastructure across Delta State, arguing that the government’s development efforts do not reflect the enormous financial resources available to the state.
Speaking during an exclusive interview with grassroots newspaper publishers in Asaba on Thursday, Eshor expressed confidence in his chances of winning the 2027 governorship election. He outlined his vision for the state, focusing on rural infrastructure, economic development, and what he described as the need for competent leadership over political zoning.
Introducing himself, Eshor said he is a native of Ebu in Oshimili North Local Government Area, a maritime engineer, entrepreneur, employer of labour, International Ambassador to Intercap Nigeria, Founder of the Focus Foundation, and the AAC governorship candidate for the 2027 election.
‘Incumbent Governors Can Be Defeated’
Responding to questions about his chances against the incumbent administration, Eshor said history has shown that sitting governors can be voted out when citizens are dissatisfied with their performance.
According to him, Delta State receives enormous monthly allocations, yet many communities continue to suffer from poor infrastructure and a lack of basic amenities.
He cited his hometown, Ebu, as an example, lamenting that residents have lived without critical infrastructure for decades.
“The major economic road linking Ebu to neighbouring communities has collapsed, cutting the community off from surrounding towns. The only access route now is through the Illah federal road, which is also in a deplorable condition,” he said.
Eshor noted that the road was last reconstructed during the administration of former Governor James Ibori about three decades ago, adding that successive governments have failed to address the problem despite repeated appeals from residents.
He also pointed to similar conditions in Ashama, Aniocha South Local Government Area, where many roads remain impassable, forcing residents to rely largely on motorcycles for transportation.
According to him, other communities across Delta Central, including the Orhoakpor–Ododegho–Ughelli Road in Ethiope East Local Government Area, also face severe infrastructural challenges.
He added that communities in Delta South, including Asaba-Ase through Uzere, equally lack adequate link roads.
While acknowledging the state’s ongoing flyover projects, Eshor argued that Delta State possesses sufficient financial capacity to execute both urban and rural infrastructure simultaneously.
“With about ₦936 billion in federal allocation for 2025, excluding internally generated revenue, Delta State has the resources to construct flyovers while also opening up rural communities through quality road networks,” he stated.
Promise to Prioritize Link Roads
If elected governor, Eshor pledged to prioritize the construction and rehabilitation of strategic link roads connecting communities across the state within his first two years in office.
“Our farmers struggle to transport their produce because of bad roads. Infrastructure is the foundation of economic development. Opening up our communities will improve commerce, agriculture, and the overall quality of life,” he said.
He further compared Delta State with states such as Abia and Enugu, arguing that despite having fewer resources, they appear to be making greater progress in infrastructure development.
Campaign Strategy and Equity Debate
On how he intends to defeat the incumbent governor in 2027, Eshor declined to disclose his campaign strategy but maintained that he is fully prepared for the contest.
“I will not reveal my strategy now, but I am in the race to win,” he said.
Addressing the ongoing debate over power rotation and zoning in Delta State, Eshor stated that his party does not subscribe to zoning as a constitutional requirement.
According to him, leadership should be determined by competence, integrity, capacity, and the ability to deliver results rather than ethnic or senatorial considerations.
“We believe Deltans should choose the person with the vision and competence to move the state forward. Leadership should not be restricted by zoning but by the capacity to govern effectively,” he added.
The AAC governorship candidate said he is consulting stakeholders across the state and remains optimistic that voters will make what he described as the right choice in the 2027 governorship election.
