…Calls It Costly Political Jamboree Amid Infrastructure Decay

The governorship candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in Delta State, Isaac Eshor, has launched a scathing attack on the ongoing Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026, describing the event as a “misplaced priority” and an expensive political spectacle that fails to address the worsening infrastructural and economic challenges confronting residents.

In a statement made available to The Guardian on Tuesday in Asaba, Eshor alleged that the summit amounted to a misuse of public funds at a time when many communities across the state remain cut off by dilapidated roads, poor infrastructure and limited economic opportunities despite Delta’s enormous financial resources.

The AAC governorship hopeful argued that Delta, one of Nigeria’s highest revenue-generating states, had little to show for the trillions of naira appropriated in recent budgets.

According to him, the state approved budgets of about ₦809.4 billion in 2023, ₦725 billion in 2024, ₦936 billion in 2025, and ₦1.729 trillion in 2026, amounting to more than ₦4.199 trillion within four years, yet many communities continue to suffer from poor infrastructure and inadequate public services.

He maintained that such enormous financial resources should have translated into visible development projects rather than being expended on what he described as high-profile summits.

“Delta State is richly blessed with enormous resources and receives substantial allocations, yet many communities remain inaccessible because of deplorable roads and poor infrastructure. Instead of investing in projects that directly impact the lives of the people, the government is engaging in expensive summits and political showmanship,” Eshor said.

The opposition candidate cited remarks previously made by Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, who reportedly described Delta as a wealthy neighbouring state, arguing that such observations should challenge the state’s leadership to convert its wealth into measurable development.

Eshor questioned the rationale behind organising a major investment summit while basic infrastructure remains inadequate, insisting that investors would be reluctant to commit resources to communities lacking accessible roads and essential amenities.

“Before attracting investors, government must first create an enabling environment that supports business growth and economic activities,” he stated.

He also faulted Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s unveiling of a 100 million dollar Viability Guarantee Fund designed to reduce investment risks and attract investors, as well as plans to dedicate more than 12,000 hectares of farmland for agricultural development.

While acknowledging the importance of promoting investment, Eshor questioned why such initiatives were only being aggressively pursued nearly three years into the administration.

“For almost three years, Delta State has not witnessed a clear and aggressive investment-driven agenda. It is surprising that government is now presenting these initiatives as major breakthroughs. Deltans deserve a government that plans strategically, manages resources prudently and delivers sustainable economic growth,” he said.

The AAC candidate further argued that Delta possesses enormous untapped opportunities in the maritime and blue economy sectors, lamenting that successive administrations have failed to maximise the state’s strategic coastal advantage.

He claimed the state government was only beginning to pay attention to the blue economy after drawing inspiration from his policy blueprint.

“Delta is blessed with vast maritime resources that can create jobs, boost revenue and stimulate industrial growth. Unfortunately, this potential remains largely untapped,” he said.

Calling for greater accountability, Eshor urged residents to demand prudent management of public resources and embrace what he described as a new vision for the state.

He said his experience in managing private-sector ventures had equipped him with the expertise to drive investment, productivity and sustainable economic growth, stressing that Delta requires visionary leadership capable of translating its vast natural and financial resources into prosperity for citizens.

Eshor insisting that infrastructure renewal, economic diversification and people-centred development should take precedence over what he described as “wasteful government jamborees,” urging the Oborevwori administration to prioritise projects that deliver tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Deltans.