Why Ochei May Defeat Okowa in 2027 Delta North senatorial Election

By May Abbi

The race for Delta North senatorial election is presently between Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, former speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly. Ochei defected from the APC to the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) a few days prior to the NDC senatorial primaries. He is seen as a big fish in the party and it is believed that his presence is a big plus to the party in the zone.

Though results of the NDC primaries have not been officially announced by the national leadership of the party, it is believed that the former speaker will win the Delta North senatorial primaries of the NDC. Yes, the facts are staring us in the face.

For now Nigerians see the NDC as the political bride in Nigeria. All eyes are on the party to lead the country out of the woods as the ruling party, the All Progressive Congress (APC) has hit the rock in the eyes of Nigerians. The APC that won the presidency for the Bola Tinubu under the new hope for all Nigerians has failed the country, arising from the policies that are not impacting the lives of the ordinary citizens in the right direction.

It is believed that as Labour Party swept many APC and PDP candidates off the ballot in 2023, the NDC, riding on the credibility of Peter Obi, will also sweep off many other parties and procure victory for the party candidates across the country. Though the votes may not necessarily go in the way of the people without credibility checks, a lot of persons will still win riding through the back of Peter Obi.

Now, coming to Ochei and Okowa, the metrics of measurement are the credibility issues of both persons. To be candid, many people in Delta North are pissed off with the way Okowa emerged. Many are disturbed that Okowa cannot be running for Senate while his daughter, Marylin Daramola Okowa is running for the Ika North East seat in the state House of Assembly.

Again, there are unconfirmed reports that the APC candidate for Ika federal constituency is the in-law of Ifeanyi Okowa. Someone described this as impunity of the highest order. There are reports underground that many people following Okowa today are doing so to secure their interest, not necessarily supporting him for the 2027 senatorial election. It is said that in the January 2027 general elections, the pendulum will likely swing heavily against him.

Again, the poor performance of the APC is a big blow on the face of many Nigerians. 90 percent of average Nigerians are angry with the APC. The unresolved kidnapping issues, the banditry, the killings, the economic challenges, the high cost of living, the high price of fuel, gas, exchange rate and other anomalies are serious reasons Nigerians have vowed to truncate the victory of the APC in the 2027 general elections.

In another matter, Ochei has no issues with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Nigerians are still remembering the case of the former governor with the EFCC. Many say Okowa cannot be having issues with EFCC and the APC, the ruling part, will still give him ticket to run for the Senate. As far as many are concerned, the case has not been resolved. So, running for the Senate under the ruling party is seen as attempt to push the case under the carpet. This is another big reasons why Nigerians are angry.

Ochei, as an individual, has no such record in his hand. So far, people of Delta North have not traced any financial scandal against him. During his days as speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, the house was named the most vibrant house of assembly in Nigeria. He was very vibrant, active and energetic. After his days in the house, the glory fell and it has remained down till the present leadership of the house.

Ochei's leadership built the state house of assembly. The present structure of the house was the handiwork of Victor Ochei. That was during the tenure of former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan. The house has remained so since he left office as speaker.

Another issue that is worth considering is the manner Nigerians voted in 2023. In the 2023 elections, many Nigerians voted the party bearing the name of Peter Obi. It was reported that many of the people voted Labour Party all through without considering who were other candidates of the party. That was why the Obedient Movement swept away many APC and PDP candidates from winning the senatorial and House of Reps seats in many states. Such a development is bound to happen in 2027. And it may be very massive in 2027.

Though some politicians may move to overrun the process, as the wave of the Obedient movement smoked away many then, there's the tendency that the Peter Obi wave through the NDC may still crush a number of politicians out of the way, paving way for many NDC candidates to be victorious in 2027.

May Abbi a public affairs commentator writes from Asaba, Delta State South South Nigeria