By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
The Delta State chapter of the Amalgamated APC Support Groups (AASG) has thrown its weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring its readiness to mobilise at least 10,000 voters for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The group, which formally unveiled its Delta State structure in Asaba on Friday, also endorsed all APC candidates contesting national and state elective positions in the 2027 elections.
At its maiden World Press Briefing, the State Coordinator of AASG, Comrade Amb. Eroghene Prosper Ogagah, said the organisation had a grassroots structure covering the 36 states of the federation, with its Delta chapter extending across the state’s 25 local government areas, wards and units.
Ogagah said the group was not established merely as another political pressure organisation, but as a mobilisation platform committed to taking the APC’s message to the grassroots.
“We are not just here because we want to be known. We are here to work. We have structure everywhere, and we are here to mobilise,” he said.
According to him, AASG had already participated in APC membership registration and voter registration mobilisation and would intensify such activities ahead of the 2027 polls.
He said the group was targeting more than 10,000 voters in Delta State for President Tinubu, Governor Oborevwori and other APC candidates.
Defending the group’s continued support for the Tinubu administration despite the economic hardship in the country, Ogagah acknowledged that Nigerians were going through difficult times.
He said the economic reforms of the Federal Government had affected citizens, including members of AASG, but argued that the measures were necessary to address what he described as longstanding structural problems.
“We’re not denying the fact that the reforms are harsh. Neither are we denying the fact that it is biting on us. The economy is harsh and it is biting on me as well,” he said.
The AASG leader, however, urged Nigerians to look beyond the immediate difficulties and consider the potential long-term benefits of the reforms.
“If we must treat a wound, we should be able to surrender ourselves for treatment,” he said.
He identified the removal of fuel subsidy, foreign exchange reforms, student loan initiatives, infrastructure and energy investments, and social intervention programmes as some of the measures taken by the Tinubu administration.
Ogagah maintained that the reforms were aimed at correcting weaknesses that had accumulated over several decades.
“The reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are not acts of convenience; they are acts of necessity,” he declared.
The group also praised Governor Oborevwori’s administration, citing various infrastructure and economic initiatives under the MORE Agenda.
Ogagah listed road construction and rehabilitation, flyover projects, youth empowerment and skills development, grassroots-oriented projects and other infrastructure initiatives as evidence of what he described as the governor’s practical approach to governance.
He also commended the state government’s Economic and Investment Summit, saying the event had attracted local and international investors to Delta.
The AASG coordinator further highlighted the unveiling of a $100 million viability gap funding initiative for investors, expressing optimism that increased investment would generate employment opportunities for young Deltans.
“These are not abstract promises; they are visible efforts with real impact,” he said.
‘We Are Not Like Other Support Groups’
Ogagah said AASG’s structure and continuity distinguished it from other political support groups.
He disclosed that the organisation was inaugurated and adopted by the APC in September 2022, ahead of the 2023 general elections, and had remained operational since then.
He said the organisation had established structures across the country and maintained grassroots presence in Delta State.
“We are covering all 25 local government areas and all wards and units. We have structure on ground,” he said.
He added that the group’s activities were not dependent solely on financial support from the APC.
Responding to questions on the source of funding for the group’s activities, the Delta coordinator said members had largely financed the organisation themselves.
“Right from 2022, we’ve not gotten mobilisation from the party and we are still existing. So we have been funding ourselves,” Ogagah said.
He argued that the organisation’s ability to maintain its extensive structure despite the absence of regular financial mobilisation from the party demonstrated the commitment of its members.
Group Urges Nigerians to Support Reforms
Ogagah appealed to Nigerians to remain patient with the Federal Government’s economic policies, arguing that major economic restructuring often comes with temporary difficulties.
He said Nigeria should not be an exception to other countries that had endured difficult reforms before achieving greater economic stability.
He also called on the media to provide balanced coverage of government policies, noting that while citizens had the right to criticise government, public discourse should also acknowledge efforts being made to address the nation’s challenges.
The AASG coordinator said the Delta chapter would continue to strengthen grassroots mobilisation, promote civic awareness and bridge communication between government and citizens.
The event was attended by the South-South Zonal Coordinator of AASG, Comrade Amb. Chukwuemeka Emmanuel; Deputy State Coordinator, Chief Chukwuma Frank; State Secretary, Comrade Austin Omowho; Welfare/Media Coordinator, Mrs. Akanigha Rachael; Grassroots Mobilisation Coordinator, Hon. Gift Otowa, among other members and APC stakeholders.
Ogagah concluded with a call for unity and renewed commitment to the APC ahead of the 2027 elections, declaring that the group remained “committed, focused and confident” in the future of Nigeria and Delta State.