By Ibrahim Salaudeen, Lagos
Lagos-based cleric and political mobilizer, Prof. Godwin Ikuru, has formally declared his intention to contest the Delta Central Senatorial District seat in the 2027 general elections on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), promising a new development agenda anchored on infrastructure, grassroots empowerment and improved living standards.
Ikuru, an Urhobo-born political figure who has lived in Lagos State for more than three decades, says his ambition is driven by his desire to bring the kind of transformation he has witnessed in Lagos to Delta Central.
His political declaration is already gaining visibility through campaign billboards bearing the slogan: “Stronger Grassroots, Greater Delta, Brighter Future!”
Speaking with journalists in Lagos, Ikuru said his over 30 years of experience living in the commercial capital had exposed him to the developmental policies and administrative strategies that transformed Lagos into one of Africa’s major economic centres.
He specifically identified the successive administrations of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Babatunde Raji Fashola, Akinwunmi Ambode and Babajide Sanwo-Olu as sources of inspiration for his proposed development agenda.
Declaring his readiness for the 2027 senatorial contest, Ikuru said he had closely observed the evolution of Lagos under successive governors and was determined to apply the lessons learned to the development of his home constituency.
“I have been in Lagos for over 30 years. I have seen Lagos transformed before my eyes. From Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu, who laid the foundation, to Fashola, who built on it, to Ambode and now Sanwo-Olu, who have continued to transform Lagos into what it is today. I am highly impressed with the development of Lagos State,” he stated.
However, the cleric expressed disappointment over what he described as the inadequate development of Delta State, particularly communities in Delta Central, despite the state’s enormous oil wealth.
According to him, many communities in the senatorial district continue to grapple with poor road networks, inadequate healthcare facilities and insufficient basic infrastructure.
“Delta State is an oil-producing state, but I am not impressed with the present development of Delta State. Especially the local government where I come from in Delta Central, there are no good roads, no good hospitals, no good infrastructure.
Nothing has been transformed in an oil-producing state. Our people are suffering despite the huge wealth that comes from our land,” he lamented.
Explaining the motivation behind his political ambition, Ikuru described his senatorial aspiration as a personal commitment to contribute to the development of his people rather than an opportunity for personal enrichment.
He maintained that his exposure to Lagos’ developmental journey had equipped him with valuable lessons that he hopes to bring to Delta Central.
“I count it as my turn to transform Delta State, especially Delta Central, using what I learnt from the past and present governors of Lagos State. It is now my turn to take what I have learnt to my people in Delta Central and make it a better place,” he declared.
Ikuru also called for support from the people of Delta Central, insisting that the proposed transformation agenda should transcend political differences and focus on the future of the next generation.
He cautioned against actions that could undermine his aspiration, arguing that the development of the district should be a collective priority.
“Anyone who will fight against me means he doesn’t want the progress of Delta Central to become a reality. This is not about politics; this is about the future of our children,” he said.
In a passionate appeal, the senatorial aspirant called on sons and daughters of the Urhobo nation, both within Nigeria and in the diaspora, to support his grassroots mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 elections.
He said his vision was to build a Delta Central where residents could enjoy improved infrastructure, better healthcare, economic opportunities and a higher standard of living.
“I am calling on all Urhobo people to join hands with me. The time has come. Enough is enough. I will bring changes, hope and transformation to the people of Delta Central. Together, we will build a Delta Central that we will all be proud of,” he said.
With campaign billboards reportedly appearing in strategic locations and grassroots mobilisation efforts being activated across the eight local government areas that make up Delta Central, Ikuru’s entry into the 2027 senatorial race introduces another political aspiration into the contest for the district’s representation.
His proposed development agenda, particularly his promise to draw inspiration from Lagos’ successive administrations, is expected to form a central theme of his campaign as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
For Ikuru, the message is clear: he wants to take the development lessons he says he has learnt in Lagos back to his roots in Delta Central.
