By Anne Azuka
The Delta State House of Assembly Minority Caucus has distanced itself from media reports alleging a planned political shift by one Chief Promise Lawuru ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a strongly worded statement jointly signed by seven All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers, the caucus condemned the use of their group photograph in the report, describing it as unprofessional and misleading.
Titled “RE: Southern Youth Leader, Lawuru, Plans Major Political Shift Ahead of 2027, Meets APC Lawmakers – A Rejoinder,” the statement urged the public to disregard the article published by GbaramatuVoice TV and circulated on social media.
The lawmakers clarified that Chief Promise Lawuru had invited them to the Oginbiri Day Celebration in Warri North Local Government Area on January 11, 2025, but only three members attended due to prior commitments.
According to the statement, Lawuru later hosted them at his Warri residence on February 1, 2025, for a breakfast meeting as a gesture of appreciation for their attendance. However, the lawmakers stressed that no discussions took place regarding the performance of Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori or the 2027 elections, contrary to claims in the publication.
They criticized the use of photographs from the visit to create a false narrative, emphasizing that the images had no connection to the content of the report.
“Our attention has been drawn to the misleading article published by GbaramatuVoice TV, which has been circulating on social media platforms. We deem it necessary to set the record straight and clarify the facts,” the statement read.
“On January 11, 2025, High Chief Promise Lawuru invited us to the Oginbiri Day Celebration at Oginbiri, Warri North LGA. Unfortunately, only three of our legislators were able to attend due to prior commitments.
“On February 1, 2025, High Chief Lawuru invited us to his Warri residence to express gratitude for our representatives’ attendance at the Oginbiri Day Celebration. We had breakfast together and departed.
“It is essential to note that no discussions whatsoever took place regarding the Delta State Governor’s performance in office or the 2027 election, as mentioned in the publication. The use of photographs from our visit to promote a different narrative is unprofessional.
“We advise the public to disregard the content of the publication, as the accompanying pictures do not reflect the misleading and misinformed article.
“As an Assembly, we maintain a cordial working relationship with the Governor and have no reason to engage in such discussions,” the statement concluded.
The statement was signed by:
– Hon. Emakpor Edafe, Esq. (Minority Leader, Uvwie State Constituency)
– Hon. Ebitonmo Anthony Alapala (Minority Whip, Burutu State Constituency 1)
– Hon. Matthew Onojighofia Omonade, Esq. (Ughelli North Constituency 1)
– Hon. Spencer Obakore Owhofa, Esq. (Ughelli North Constituency 2)
– Hon. Collins Ovie Egbetama, Esq. (Udu Constituency)
– Hon. Achoja Blessing (Ethiope West Constituency)
– Hon. Benson Obire (Warri South Constituency 2)
The Minority Caucus reaffirmed its commitment to legislative duties and maintaining a positive working relationship with the Delta State Government.
