A group, Delta North Rainbow Coalition, has kicked against the move by former governor of the state, Ifeanyi Okowa to seek election to the Senate to represent Delta North senatorial district.
Okowa emerged as the All Progressive Congress, APC senatorial candidate for Delta North in the last senatorial primary conducted by the ruling party for the district.
The Rainbow Coalition insisted that what the Delta North Senatorial District needs come 2027 is a legislator and not just a politician.
The group made the position known at a news conference jointly addressed by the coalition Chairman and Secretary, Ikada Desmond and Anthony Nwani respectively, in Abuja on Friday.
The new conference was themed: Okowa/Ochei: Why Delta North Needs a Legislator, Not Just a Politician”.
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The coalition noted that as the 2027 general elections approach, the people of Delta North were presented with an important opportunity to reflect on the quality of representation they desired in the Nigerian Senate.
It said that the election should not be determined by political popularity alone, but by an objective assessment of competence, legislative capacity, integrity and a demonstrated commitment to the equitable development of every community within the senatorial district.
According to the group, the contest between Victor Ochei of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and former Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of All Progressives Congress (APC) is more than a contest between two experienced politicians.
“It is a choice between two different visions of representation.
“Okowa is undoubtedly one of the most experienced politicians in the state. He has served as commissioner, secretary to the state government, senator representing Delta North between 2011 and 2015 and governor from 2015 to 2023.
“Few politicians in the history of the state have enjoyed such extensive opportunities to shape public policy and influence development.
“Naturally, after occupying these strategic offices, the people are entitled to evaluate his record and ask a simple question: what lasting transformation did Delta North witness during those years of enormous political influence?
“For many communities across Delta North, particularly outside his Owa-Alero political base, this remains an unanswered question.
“Concerns continue to be expressed about uneven infrastructure development, inadequate investment in public education and healthcare, limited industrial expansion, insufficient employment opportunities for young people and several projects announced during his administration,” it stated.
The coalition described the senate as an institution where senators enact laws, provide oversight of government activities, influence national policy and advocate for federal projects.
“Unlike a governor, a senator does not possess executive authority to directly execute state projects.
“This reality makes an important question unavoidable: if the immense executive powers of a governor could not produce the level of inclusive development many expected across Delta North, what additional impact should voters reasonably expect from a return to the senate?,” it said.
The group, however, noted that Ochei’s political career had been defined principally by legislative service.
“As Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly (June 6, 2011 to March 18, 2014), he earned recognition for strengthening the legislative institution through reforms, institutional innovation and a commitment to improving legislative practice.
“Under his leadership, the assembly gained national recognition for its productivity and professionalism. His experience is directly aligned with the responsibilities of a senator.
“The senate requires individuals who understand lawmaking, committee work, legislative negotiations, policy development, constitutional oversight and effective representation of constituents.
“These are areas in which Ochei has built a distinguished record. Politics is ultimately a test of public confidence.
“While experience is important, electoral success is determined by the willingness of the people to renew their mandate,” the coalition said.
It added that the 2023 general elections offered an important point of reflection.
“Okowa contested the election as the vice-presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) while serving as the incumbent governor of Delta.
“Yet, in spite of occupying the highest political office in the state and being on a national ticket, he was unable to secure victory in his own ward in Owa-Alero.
“For many political observers, this outcome raised legitimate questions about the depth of his grassroots support, even within his immediate political base.
“While one election result does not by itself define a political career, it remains a significant indicator of changing public sentiment.
“Elections are the most direct expression of the people’s confidence in their leaders, and many voters view the 2023 outcome as evidence that the political landscape in Delta North is evolving and that the electorate is increasingly seeking a new direction,” it stated.
The group added that Ochei, on the other hand, had continued to build political goodwill across the senatorial district with his inclusive style of leadership, legislative experience and ability to engage people across different communities.
This, it said , had contributed to a growing perception that he (Ochei) represented a fresh and unifying alternative.
“Rather than appealing to one locality or political bloc, his support is increasingly viewed as extending across the senatorial district, making him a formidable candidate for the 2027 senate election.
“The 2027 election should therefore not be viewed simply as a contest between two experienced politicians.
“It is also a referendum on the kind of leadership Delta North desires —leadership that reflects broad public confidence, inspires unity across communities and is committed to representing every part of the senatorial district without fear or favour.
“Equally important is the need for inclusive leadership. Many residents have expressed concern about the perception that political offices are increasingly revolving around the same individuals and their close family networks.
“Reports that Okowa is seeking election to the senate while his daughter is the APC candidate for Ika North-East in the state assembly and his brother-in-law, the APC candidate for Ika Federal House of Representatives has fuelled public debate about political succession.
“Whether or not this reflects deliberate political strategy, it has prompted legitimate questions about political inclusion and the need to encourage broader participation in public leadership,” it said.
According to the coalition, healthy democracies thrive when leadership opportunities are expanded rather than concentrated.
“No single individual, family or community should be perceived as occupying every available political space while many equally qualified citizens remain on the sidelines.
“The senate should not become a retirement destination for former governors simply because they wish to remain within the corridors of political power.
“Rather, it should be an institution that attracts legislators with the vision, independence and commitment to vigorously represent the interests of their constituents at the national level,” the coalition argued.
