A powerful coalition of Christian clerics across Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency has thrown its weight behind Chief Dr. Ominimini Obiuwevbi ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring him the most competent and compassionate choice to represent the constituency at the House of Representatives.
The endorsement, announced on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, followed a high-level gathering of General Overseers, Archbishops, Bishops, Reverends and Pastors drawn from multiple denominations, who converged at Ominimini’s Ughelli residence in a show of unity and political direction. The clerical bloc, led by Bishop Billion Djanere and Bishop Dr. Harriton Akpodiete, also signaled a clear shift in allegiance, effectively abandoning Rev Francis Waive’s camp in favour of what they described as “tested leadership and purposeful representation.”
Speaking at the event, Bishop Dr. Harriton Akpodiete of Ark of Faith Fulfillment Assembly, Ughelli, gave a strong endorsement of Ominimini’s candidacy, emphasising his personal qualities and track record, stressing that they have lost faith in Hon. Waive’s representation.
“Chief Ominimini is a compassionate man with a listening ear, excellent educational qualifications and legislative experience required to represent the good people of Ughelli/Udu Federal Constituency at the National Assembly,” he stated.
“He has consistently advocated for the development of the Urhobo Nation and the creation of Urhobo State — aspirations that can only be effectively pursued from the National Assembly.”
Akpodiete further stressed that Ominimini’s longstanding commitment to the Urhobo cause sets him apart in a race that will demand both political will and legislative depth.
In his remarks, Bishop Billion Djanere underscored the strategic importance of electing a candidate with proven governance experience, pointing to Ominimini’s tenure as Speaker of the Ughelli North Legislative Arm and his role as a Commissioner with the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC).
“The gains and benefits of having Dr. Ominimini at the National Assembly are enormous,” Djanere declared. “His track record speaks volumes. We are not just endorsing a candidate; we are endorsing competence, experience and a future of effective representation.”
He charged the clergy present to take the message beyond the meeting, urging them to mobilize grassroots support across churches and communities.
“Go back to your congregations and preach the message of Chief Ominimini for House of Representatives 2027. This is a collective mission,” he added.
The event reached its climax with a unanimous voice vote endorsing Ominimini as the preferred candidate of the Christian community within the federal constituency. The clerics pledged to galvanize broader interdenominational support and extend their mobilization to other Christian bodies across the region.
“We are united in this decision,” the group affirmed. “We will mobilize across all Christian denominations to ensure that Chief Ominimini emerges victorious in 2027.”
The gathering drew an extensive list of prominent religious leaders, including Bishop Billion Djanere, Bishop Dr. Harriton Akpodiete, Prelate Prof. D. Joshua, Bishop Prof. E. O. Ugheni, Bishop Dr. J. E. Obahor, Bishop Mathew Orubu, Bishop Dr. E. I. John, Bishop Dr. Oriokpa, Rev. Mrs. Victoria Oshevire, Bishop Macpherson Oweh, Apostle Epwe Roland, Bishop Dickson Obiuwoh, Pastor Simeon Oduesie, Rev. Harry Odede, Pastor Saniyo Obiuwevbi, Rev. Gabriel Nyenyen, Rev. Chris Michael, Rev. Canon Lucky Obregha, Apostle Peter Ikuku, Bishop Mrs. Ifaka, Prophet Paul, Saint Dr. Goddowell Ivworin, Rev. Dr. Joseph Akpobome, Rev. Canon Okoro Johnbull Obrorhie, Rev. Dr. Joel, among others.
The endorsement marks a significant political development in the Ughelli/Udu federal constituency, as religious leaders—often key opinion molders—move early to shape the 2027 electoral landscape.
