Mr Victor Ochei, Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Senatorial Candidate for Delta North, has urged the people to vote for achievements, and competence-driven representation in the 2027 general elections.
Ochei made the call while addressing members of Opposition Gate, an Agbor-Based Sociopolitical Group comprising lecturers, academics, professionals and businesspeople, on Wednesday in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area.
He said: “Every contestant is seeking to be hired by the people, and the people must hire on results, not on chants inspired by patronage”.
He said if elected, he would ensure results and competence-driven representation for the senatorial district.
Ochei said character, competence and capacity would guide his aspiration, urging voters to choose their next senator based on merit, performance and capacity to deliver.
“Character, competence and capacity are the true measures.”
The former speaker, Delta House of Assembly, said his legislative experience and engineering background positioned him to provide effective representation.
Ochei recalled his 2003 election, saying he contested on the platform of a relatively unknown party and defeated his opponent.
He pointed out that he had never been an establishment candidate, emphasising the importance of independent-minded leadership in representing Delta North.
Ochei said political leadership should be judged by tangible development outcomes, rather than slogans, particularly in the provision of quality and durable infrastructure.
Ochei criticised the poor state of roads in Agbor and questioned the development outcomes associated with years of political influence in the area.
He said political patronage should be measured by the development attracted, institutions strengthened and lasting systems established for the people.
Ochei also canvassed support for the NDC’s vision of a New Nigeria, citing its presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, and his emphasis on prudent management of public resources.
“Obi inspires real affection from the people, and his promise of prudence, cautious expenditure of government resources and homegrown solutions, is exactly what Nigeria needs today,” he said.
Ochei expressed confidence in the NDC Delta governorship candidate, Mr Chris Iyovwaye, saying his exposure could promote industrial development, job creation and economic opportunities.
He cited Iyovwaye’s experience in engineering logistics and partnerships with Dangote Industries and other multinational organisations as assets for Delta’s economic development.
He urged the gathering to believe in the possibility of a New Nigeria and support efforts to translate the vision into reality.
“We must believe in the possibility of a New Nigeria and be ready to do all it takes to make it real,” he said.
