Dr. Hilary Ibegbulem has defended the political legacy of former Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, while responding to remarks attributed to former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Victor Ochei.
Key Highlights
- Ibegbulem challenges claims linked to Victor Ochei’s political history.
- He defends Okowa’s leadership record and public service trajectory.
- Dispute centres on Delta North senatorial politics and 2014 PDP primaries.
- Allegations of personal ambition and political realignment addressed.
- Clarification issued on alleged family political links involving Okowa.
- Political debate intensifies ahead of 2027 elections in Delta State.
In a statement titled “Response to a Purported Interview Attributed to Victor Ochei,” Ibegbulem said he could not independently confirm the authenticity of the interview in question. However, he argued that if the comments were correctly attributed, then several historical and political facts required public clarification.
He disputed Ochei’s reported claim that his political decisions had not been driven by personal ambition. According to Ibegbulem, during the 2014 political cycle, Ochei was allegedly encouraged to contest the Delta North senatorial seat while supporting Okowa’s governorship ambition. He claimed Ochei instead entered the governorship primaries against Okowa.
Read Also:
- Joel-Onowakpo Thomas crowned ‘Olodi of Aviara Kingdom’ in Delta State honour ceremony
- Delta State Tragedy: Brake-Failed Tanker kills Tricycle rider, sparks major Effurun gridlock
- Delta State promotes Maritime and Blue Economy Opportunities at 2026 Investment Summit
Ibegbulem further stated that after losing the PDP governorship primary, Ochei left the Peoples Democratic Party and later contested the Delta North senatorial election on the platform of the Accord Party. He said Ochei was defeated by the late Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, winning only his local government area in the process.
He argued that the outcome raised questions about whether the decisions taken at the time were guided by collective political interest or personal ambition.
Responding to claims that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori intervened to discourage Ochei from contesting against Okowa, Ibegbulem said such intervention should not be interpreted as recognition of Ochei’s political strength. Rather, he maintained it reflected confidence in Okowa’s leadership experience and political acceptance within Delta North.
The former governor’s associate also highlighted Okowa’s political career, describing him as one of Delta State’s most experienced public office holders. He listed his roles as local government chairman, commissioner, secretary to the state government, governor for two terms, and national political actor.
Ibegbulem also dismissed suggestions that Okowa was promoting family interests in elective positions, insisting that the former governor has no in-law contesting any seat in Delta North Senatorial District or the Ika Federal Constituency.
He specifically addressed references to Emmanuel Osazuwa, the APC candidate for the Ika Federal Constituency House of Representatives seat in the 2027 elections, stating that there is no family connection between Osazuwa and Okowa.
According to him, claims linking Osazuwa’s ambition to the former governor’s family network were inaccurate and misleading.
Ibegbulem further rejected allegations that Okowa had distanced himself from political associates, insisting that many long-standing allies still maintain cordial relationships with him.
He said Okowa’s continued relevance in Delta politics reflects sustained goodwill built over years of public service.
He urged political actors to apply the same standards they demand from others, adding that leadership should be judged by competence, service delivery, and verifiable achievements.
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Ibegbulem said the central issue should be the capacity and experience of candidates to represent Delta North effectively.
He maintained that Senator Okowa’s record in public office remains a strong reference point in that regard.
