2027: Delta North needs legislator, coalition insists

Nathan Tamarapreye

The Delta North Rainbow Coalition has urged voters in the Delta North Senatorial District to elect a legislator rather than “just a politician” in the 2027 Senate election, arguing that legislative competence should take precedence over political pedigree.

The group made the call at a news conference in Abuja on Friday, jointly addressed by its Chairman, Ikada Desmond, and Secretary, Anthony Nwani.

Addressing journalists under the theme, “Okowa/Ochei: Why Delta North Needs a Legislator, Not Just a Politician,” the coalition said the 2027 election presents an opportunity for the people of Delta North to determine the quality of representation they want in the National Assembly.

According to the coalition, the election should be decided not by political popularity 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.”

The group said the contest between Victor Ochei of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of the 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.”

The coalition argued that the Senate is primarily a legislative institution responsible for making laws, providing oversight, influencing national policy and attracting 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 Ochei’s political career had been shaped largely by legislative service, particularly during his tenure as Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly between June 6, 2011, and March 18, 2014.

The coalition said his leadership strengthened the legislature through institutional reforms and innovation, earning the Assembly national recognition for productivity and professionalism.

“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 group also cited the outcome of the 2023 general election, noting that Okowa, despite serving as Delta State Governor and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) vice-presidential candidate, did not win his polling unit in Owa-Alero.

“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.”

According to the coalition, Ochei has continued to build support across the senatorial district through what it described as his inclusive leadership style, legislative experience and ability to engage diverse communities.

“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.”

The coalition also raised concerns over what it described as the concentration of political offices within a few families.

It said reports that Okowa is seeking a Senate seat while his daughter is the APC candidate for the Ika North-East State Constituency and his brother-in-law is the party’s candidate for the Ika Federal Constituency had sparked public debate on political inclusion.

“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.”

The coalition maintained that healthy democracies flourish when leadership opportunities are widely shared.

“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.”