By Kenneth Orusi
Former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, has thrown his weight behind the reelection bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and Senator Ned Nwoko ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ochei made the endorsement at the Delta North All Progressives Congress (APC) Senatorial meeting held in Aniocha/Oshimili federal constituency over the weekend.
Addressing party faithful at the well-attended event, Ochei emphasized the need for unity within the Delta North APC fold, stating that the time had come to put aside grievances and work collectively to ensure total victory in the next elections.
“This meeting is part of a long-standing tradition in Delta North,” Ochei said.
“We rotate our senatorial meetings across the three federal constituencies to foster inclusion and unity.
After Ndokwa and now Aniocha/Oshimili, Ika will host the next one. But beyond rotation, we must use these meetings to consolidate our strength.”
Ochei acknowledged the influx of defectors from other parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party, welcoming the development as a sign of growing strength for the APC in the region.
He cited the recent defection of the House of Representatives member representing Aniocha/Oshimili, Hon. Ngozi Okolie, as a significant gain for the party.
“In building this party, we must not allow divisions to fester,” he said. “Let’s make our relationships seamless.
The APC must be a party that unites, not divides. Particularly in Delta North, unity is non-negotiable, from the President to the Governor, our Senator, and all of us. We must move forward together.”
In what appears to be a significant political positioning ahead of 2027, Ochei made a bold declaration: “Even though campaigns haven’t officially started, Delta North APC fully supports and endorses the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Similarly, we endorse the return of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and our host today, Senator Ned Nwoko, back to the Senate.”
While calling on leaders to close ranks and resolve internal rifts, Ochei criticized party elites for being the root of divisions within the APC.
“The followers have no problem. It’s the leaders that need to come together,” he declared.
He charged the Delta North APC Senatorial Chairman to urgently convene a harmonization meeting between new defectors and existing party stakeholders, warning that without unity, the party risked losing its electoral momentum.
“This victory must be total,” he insisted. “Nobody should be left behind. We must return to the drawing board and bring everyone onboard.”
As Delta North positions itself strategically ahead of 2027, Ochei’s public endorsement signals early political move that may reshape the political landscape in Delta State.
Kenneth Orusi is the publisher and Editor-in-chief of The Story cum Chairman ICC Delta NUJ
