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By Our Correspondent

The race for the Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency seat ahead of the 2027 general elections roared to life on Tuesday as serving councillor, Chukwuemeke K. Victor, dramatically formalised his ambition, setting the stage for what promises to be a fierce political showdown in Delta State.

Victor, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), officially entered the contest after securing his expression of interest and nomination forms on April 29, positioning himself as one of the youngest, and arguably most disruptive, aspirants in the emerging field.

Framing his candidacy as a bold departure from the old order, the Ukwuani legislator unveiled a reformist blueprint anchored on his rallying cry: “A New Era, A New Order Mandate.” He declared his intention to bring “impactful, transparent and inclusive representation” to the federal legislature, promising to confront systemic inefficiencies and expand opportunities for constituents.

“It all commenced with a conviction to represent, a commitment to serve, and a desire to be more impactful in shaping national dialogue,” Victor stated, acknowledging the groundswell of support from across Ndokwa nation and political allies nationwide.

Widely known in political circles as “Mr Due Process,” Victor has cultivated a reputation as a relentless accountability advocate unafraid to challenge entrenched interests. His political roots trace back to grassroots mobilisation within the Ndokwa Neku Union in Abuja before his entry into partisan politics under the APC in 2015.

However, it was his 2024 election as councillor representing Ward 19, Ezhionum, in Ukwuani Local Government Area that thrust him into the spotlight. Within weeks of assuming office, Victor reportedly uncovered discrepancies in council financial records during a budget presentation, an explosive revelation that rattled the establishment and ignited public discourse on transparency in local governance.

Rather than retreat under pressure, he escalated the battle, firing petitions to key anti-graft agencies including the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offenses Related Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), demanding scrutiny and accountability.

Political observers say those actions triggered a ripple effect within the council, compelling shifts in administrative conduct, including the adoption of periodic town hall engagements by the council chairman to publicly account for stewardship.

Yet, Victor’s profile is not built on confrontation alone. On the ground, he has matched rhetoric with action, spearheading community-focused projects such as the renovation of the Ezhionum Kingdom town hall, installation of boreholes, and empowerment initiatives that have engaged over 20 youths, many of them women, in governance exposure programmes. His support for education through the employment of teaching aides has further bolstered his grassroots credentials.

In a move that stunned even seasoned political watchers, Victor also redirected his constituency funds into the account of the community development association—an unprecedented step aimed at ensuring transparency and collective ownership of development efforts.

Now, with his eyes set on the green chambers, Victor says his mission is clear: institutionalise accountability, deepen participatory governance, and deliver measurable results at the national level.

His entry has already injected fresh intensity into the Ndokwa/Ukwuani contest, with stakeholders beginning to recalibrate strategies in anticipation of a high-stakes electoral battle.

If his early moves are anything to go by, “Mr Due Process” is not just joining the race—he is aiming to redefine it.