The recent attacks from loyalists of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa against Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei have once again exposed the unwillingness of certain political interests to engage in constructive debate on the substantive issues affecting Delta North.
Rather than address the concerns raised by Ochei regarding political domination, succession planning, and the shrinking democratic space within Delta North, critics have resorted to name-calling, branding him a liar and accusing him of being desperate for power. Such accusations are not only baseless but represent a deliberate attempt to divert attention from the fundamental questions confronting the Anioma nation.
The central issue raised by Ochei remains unanswered: Can one political family continue to determine who occupies virtually every strategic political office in Delta North without raising legitimate concerns about political monopoly?
Ochei’s argument is straightforward. Democracy thrives when leadership opportunities are open to all qualified citizens, not when access to public office appears concentrated within a narrow political circle. It is therefore disingenuous for anyone to dismiss these concerns as mere personal ambition.
Those accusing Ochei of desperation conveniently ignore his remarkable political trajectory. He has served as Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly and has occupied several strategic positions without relying on political godfathers. If his objective were merely personal advancement, there would be easier routes through political compromise and negotiation. Instead, he has chosen the more difficult path of challenging an entrenched political structure.
The question many Deltans are asking is simple: After serving as councillor, local government chairman, commissioner, Secretary to the State Government, senator, governor, and vice-presidential candidate, should one individual still retain overwhelming influence over who emerges in virtually every major contest within the district?
This is not an attack on the achievements of Senator Okowa. His contributions to Delta State are acknowledged. However, democratic leadership requires knowing when to mentor successors and allow fresh voices to emerge. No democracy can flourish when political opportunities become the exclusive preserve of a select few.
What Ochei has presented is not a personal grievance but a challenge to political impunity. His position resonates with many young people and grassroots stakeholders who fear that the political ladder that once allowed ordinary citizens to rise is gradually being pulled away from future generations.
The attempt to portray Ochei as dishonest fails because the issues he has raised are visible to all. The attempt to portray him as power-hungry fails because his argument is centered on expanding political participation, not restricting it.
History teaches that democracy is strengthened when courageous voices question excessive concentration of power. Those who dismiss such voices today may eventually discover that the real threat to democracy is not dissent but silence.
The people of Delta North deserve a robust debate on representation, leadership renewal, and political inclusion. They deserve answers, not insults. They deserve democracy, not political entitlement.
Ultimately, this contest is bigger than Victor Ochei and bigger than any individual. It is about whether Delta North belongs to all its people or whether its political future will be determined by a privileged few.
Austin Edemodu, PhD is an Abuja based Journalist and Public Affairs Analyst