By Deborah Coker
An All Progressive Congress (APC) Chieftain in Delta, Dr Tonye Timi, says the Delta Political Vanguard (DPV) grassroots mobilisation is strengthening participatory democracy in the state.
Timi stated this in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Abuja on Saturday.
He noted that the strength of democracy laid not only in elections, but in the capacity of citizens and organised political platforms to participate responsibly in shaping the future of their communities, state and nation.
“DPV has demonstrated that grassroots organisation remains an important component of this process and has, over the years, established itself as a significant grassroots political platform in the political evolution of Delta.
“Its history of political engagement and mobilisation has been closely associated with the emergence of three successive governors of the state, beginning from Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan and Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, to the incumbent Sheriff Oborevwori,” he said.
Timi also said that the strategic role played by the vanguard in the political processes was a reflection of the strength of organised grassroots participation in elective democracy.
According to him, with a network of members and supporters across the wards and communities in the state, DPV has demonstrated the capacity to mobilise, connect political leadership with the people and contribute meaningfully to political engagement at the grassroots.
“Against this background, the commitment expressed by DPV at its meeting of Sept. 30 to support the re-election bid of President Bola Tinubu, Oborevwori and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in the 2027 general elections is significant.
“I commend this commitment and believe that it deserves constructive support from the various political and support groups across Delta.
“It is particularly important that the activities of these groups are properly coordinated so that their individual strengths, networks and grassroots structures can complement one another in promoting effective political participation and democratic engagement,” he said.
Timi further stated that the 2027 general elections would be significant to the political and developmental trajectory of Delta and Nigeria.
“It will present an opportunity for citizens and political organisations to engage meaningfully with the democratic process and articulate their aspirations for continuity, stability, development and good governance.
“I therefore align myself with the resolutions arising from the meeting of DPV and recognise the importance of the platform’s decision to participate actively in the 2027 electoral process,” he added.
The APC chieftain advised political actors in the state to place the interest of Delta in particular and Nigeria in general above individual considerations.
He also advised them to work together, respect the rule of law and conduct their activities peacefully and responsibly.
NAN