By Deborah Coker
A socio-political group, Delta North Rainbow Coalition, has described the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Delta North Senatorial District, Victor Ochei, as the best for the position.
The group, through its Chairman, Ikada Desmond and Secretary, Anthony Nwani, said this while addressing select newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday.
It said that the growing migration of supporters from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to NDC reflected more than routine political realignment.
According to the coalition, it signalls a broader public yearning for renewal, inclusion and a different approach to representation.
“From the commercial streets of Asaba to the riverine communities of Aboh; from the historic towns of Ibusa and Okpanam to Owa-Alero, Umunede, Alifekede and Kwale, the conversation is changing.
“The discussion is no longer centred on who has occupied the highest offices or accumulated the longest political résumé.
“Rather, it is increasingly focused on a more profound question: Who best represents the future aspirations of Delta North?
“Increasingly, the appeal of Victor Ochei is attributed not simply to party affiliation, but to a perception that his leadership style aligns more closely with the expectations of a new generation of voters who desire accessible, accountable and people-centred representation,” it said.
The group added that no one could dispute that former Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa had enjoyed one of the most distinguished political careers in the state.
“He served as commissioner, secretary to the state government, senator, two-term governor of the state and vice-presidential candidate in Nigeria’s 2023 general elections.
“Few political figures have occupied so many strategic positions within such a relatively short period of public life.
“Yet, experience alone has never been the sole measure of democratic leadership. Every public office occupied carries with it an expectation of measurable outcomes.
“It is therefore understandable that many citizens now evaluate that extensive experience through the lens of tangible development and ask whether another electoral mandate represents the next logical step or whether the time has come for leadership renewal,” it said.
The coalition noted that the debate unfolding across Delta North was less about personalities than about performance.
“A recurring sentiment expressed in many communities is that the opportunities afforded by eight years of executive authority did not translate into the balanced regional development many people anticipated.
“Whether discussing infrastructure, economic opportunities, public healthcare, education or employment, many voters continue to ask whether the dividends of governance were equitably distributed across the senatorial district.
“That question has become even more compelling because the office now being sought is legislative rather than executive.
“If the immense constitutional powers available to a governor cannot fully achieve the level of transformation expected by many constituents, voters are naturally entitled to ask what additional impact should reasonably be expected from a senator whose constitutional responsibilities are fundamentally different,” it said.
The group also said that closely linked to the conversation was another equally important issue, that is, the future of democratic participation.
According to the coalition, healthy democracies thrive when leadership opportunities continually expand and flourish when new ideas emerge.
“New voices are heard and new generations of public servants are encouraged to contribute their talents.
“Conversely, public confidence can diminish whenever political influence is perceived, rightly or wrongly, to remain concentrated within familiar personalities or closely connected political circles over extended periods.
“It is within this broader context that Victor Ochei’s candidacy has gained remarkable traction.
“Unlike many contemporary politicians whose public profiles have been built primarily through executive appointments, Ochei’s credentials have been forged within the legislature itself.
“His tenure as Speaker of Delta House of Assembly was widely associated with institutional strengthening, legislative innovation and consensus-driven leadership.
“Those experiences are directly relevant to the responsibilities of a senator, whose effectiveness depends not on executive authority but on legislative competence, policy engagement and the ability to build broad coalitions in pursuit of the public interest,” it emphasised.
The group noted that Ochei’s breadth of political appeal could not be over-emphasised.
“Across communities, professional groups and youth constituencies, many supporters increasingly describe him as a unifying figure whose engagement extends beyond geographical, ethnic and political boundaries.
“His accessibility, legislative background and reputation for consultation have strengthened the perception that he represents a broader vision for Delta North.
“It is one founded on inclusion rather than exclusivity, participation rather than concentration, and collective progress rather than sectional advancement.
“This explains why the 2027 senatorial contest is rapidly assuming a significance that extends beyond the fortunes of any individual candidate.
“It is becoming a referendum on the future character of political leadership in Delta North. Increasingly, the conversation is shifting from who has served the longest to who is best positioned to serve next.
“There is growing recognition that one of the noblest attributes of statesmanship is the wisdom to create opportunities for others.
“Political maturity is demonstrated not merely by occupying successive public offices, but by cultivating institutions, mentoring future leaders and leaving behind a political culture in which leadership is continually renewed rather than indefinitely recycled.
(NAN)