By Kenneth Orusi, Managing Editor
A fresh wave of political tension has surfaced in Ughelli South ahead of the 2027 Delta State House of Assembly (DTHA) elections, as a former two-term lawmaker who represented Ughelli South, Hon. Izeze OgheneRume Johanson Yakubu Reuben strongly pushed back against claims of a purported “consensus candidate” within the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the narrative as misleading and historically inconsistent.
In a detailed post on his Facebook page, on April 1, 2026, Izeze questioned the legitimacy of attempts to present Festus Eseoghene Utuama as a consensus choice, warning party members against what he termed political manipulation.
“Let no man attempt to hoodwink anyone that he is suddenly a good party man and democrat seeking a consensus today,” he said.
Recounting his own political journey, Izeze drew parallels with the 2015 PDP primaries, stating, “It was in November 2014 that I was elected by consensus as the PDP candidate… in the spirit of unity, other aspirants stepped down.”
He emphasized that the process was widely accepted at the time, noting that “all the leaders and delegates of the party were present” during his emergence.
However, he contrasted that experience with what he described as immediate resistance from Utuama, alleging that “barely 72 hours later, there was an attempt to replace my name… and claim there was no consensus.”
According to him, the dispute escalated into prolonged litigation, as “he went to the Federal High Court… and kept me in court for three solid years up to the Supreme Court.”
Izeze, who is the Honourable Commissioner for Works,
Highways and Urban Roads, further argued that the current push for consensus contradicts that history.
“If there is one individual who should not be talking about consensus, it is Honourable Utuama Festus, having rejected and fought against it for years,” he asserted, raising concerns about what he views as shifting political positions.
On the alleged endorsement narrative circulating within the APC, Izeze dismissed claims tied to the phrase “Oga say,” stating emphatically:
“Oga has said no such thing… as a member of the State Executive Council, I should be the first to know.”
While his remarks were sharply critical, Izeze maintained that he holds no personal ambition in the race, stressing the importance of due process.
“Let all aspirants be courageous to pursue their dreams within the confines of the law, and let the best man of the people win,” he said.
He also cautioned against imposing candidates on party members, invoking a legal principle to reinforce his stance: “You cannot force an employee on an unwilling employer.”
Backed by key stakeholders and a grassroots advocacy group, the United Ughelli South Political Reawakening Group (UUSPRG), maintained that only open, transparent, and competitive primaries can produce credible candidates capable of securing electoral victory.
The group, through its Chairman, Martins Ovedje, and Secretary, Onajite Ejaiita, aligned with the Commissioner’s position, emphasizing the need for a level playing field for all aspirants, particularly in the Ughelli South State House of Assembly contest.
Their position comes amid rising speculation over the emergence of an alleged “consensus candidate” for the constituency, claims Izeze has firmly been dismissed as false, misleading, and driven by political interests.
It is worthy to note that while Izeze’s intervention underscores the need for transparency and internal democracy, the strong language and historical grievances highlighted in his post may deepen divisions within the party if not carefully managed.
As the contest for the Ughelli South DTHA seat gathers momentum, the controversy surrounding the “consensus candidate” narrative signals a broader debate about fairness, credibility, and the true meaning of consensus in contemporary party politics.
