By Our Political Correspondent_
As campaigns begin ahead of 2027, Delta North faces questions of fairness, representation and generational balance. The electorate must decide based on capacity, character and what each candidate brings to the table.*
With INEC lifting the ban on campaigns, Nigeria’s political space is stirring to life. Across the country, parties are unveiling candidates and presenting their programmes ahead of the 2027 elections.
In Delta North, the Senate contest must rise above slogans and party symbols. It must be about competence, track record, vision and the ability to deliver for the nine local government areas that make up the district.
Delta North’s Senate seat has rotated over the years. Oshimili has had representation. Ndokwa has had representation. Ika has had representation. Aniocha has also had representation.
This history brings the issue of fairness to the fore. If second-term representation has become a practice in the district, then the question arises: should any area be denied the opportunity to complete what is regarded as a political cycle? The issue is not about endorsing any particular individual. If the people desire change, another qualified son or daughter from the area can emerge. What should be avoided is a situation where an entire local government loses its turn due to developments within political parties.
Recent political realignments have put this question in focus. Aniocha’s opportunity for continuity was affected by internal party dynamics. The seat is now being contested by candidates from within and outside the local government. That development has triggered debate about equity and balance in the district.
Former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa is constitutionally qualified to contest. His political trajectory — from the Senate to Government House, and to the vice-presidential ticket of his former party — is well known.
Victor Ochei, a former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly and ex-lawmaker, is also in the race. He brings legislative experience and familiarity with governance.
Both men are sons of Delta North and are known in the political space. They represent different generations and different experiences. The choice before the electorate is which of them, and indeed other candidates, is best positioned to serve the district at this time.
Nigeria’s political environment has also evolved. Party affiliations are no longer as rigid as before. Politicians move across APC, PDP, ADC and other platforms. In such a climate, party labels alone cannot determine the outcome. Voters are expected to look more closely at character, capacity, record and what a candidate offers.
Beyond the personalities, there is a broader conversation about political renewal. If young people with capacity are continually asked to wait while the same generation occupies available spaces, the question of transition and inclusion will remain. Democracy thrives when experience guides and new entrants are given room to grow.
Public office is a trust, not a possession. Those who have served, and those seeking to serve, must all be guided by the understanding that power is temporary and accountability is permanent.
The NDC has presented a candidate and has framed its campaign around issues of youth, experience and balance. Other parties have also presented candidates. The final decision rests with the people of Delta North.
What must remain central is fairness. If the principle of rotation and second-term consideration applies in one part of Delta, it should be applied consistently. And if Aniocha opts for a different representative, that choice should still come from within the area, so that no zone loses its place in the rotation by default.
As the campaigns intensify, Delta North must look beyond rhetoric. The electorate should demand competence, integrity, fresh ideas and the capacity to attract development to the district. It should not matter whether a candidate contests under APC, NDC, ADC or any other platform. What should matter is what the individual brings to the table.
The Senate seat belongs to the people of Delta North. Let a free, fair and credible election determine who gets the mandate.
Delta North deserves representation that reflects balance, capacity and the confidence of its people.
*Let the people decide.