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A powerful coalition of political actors under the banner of Ika Progressive Stakeholders, Delta North Senatorial District, has thrown its weight behind former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Victor Ochei, calling on him to contest for the Delta North Senatorial seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a strongly worded statement released in April 2026, the group, comprising leaders, youths, professionals, women groups, and party loyalists across Ika Nation, declared that their call was driven by “a careful assessment of capacity, competence, character, and proven service delivery,” insisting that Ochei remains the most credible option for the district.

The stakeholders pointed to Ochei’s tenure in the Delta State House of Assembly, where he represented Aniocha North Constituency, describing his performance as a “benchmark of effective representation” marked by impactful legislation and sustained grassroots empowerment.

They further highlighted his leadership as Speaker, noting that his administration brought “stability, productivity, and institutional strengthening” to the Assembly, alongside his ability to build consensus across political divides.

At the federal level, the group cited his role as Executive Director at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), where they said he demonstrated innovation and strategic leadership that contributed to economic growth and workforce development.

Beyond public office, the stakeholders underscored Ochei’s extensive philanthropic footprint across Delta North, particularly in education, healthcare, youth empowerment, and community development, describing it as “visible, impactful, and people-driven.”

The statement also emphasized his wide acceptability across the nine local government areas of Delta North, portraying him as a unifying figure capable of bridging ethnic, political, and generational divides at a critical time.

According to the group, Ochei’s potential candidacy under the All Progressives Congress aligns with the broader political objective of strengthening the party’s foothold in Delta State and advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

They argued that his technocratic background as an engineer, lawyer, and administrator, coupled with his national exposure and political network, positions him as a formidable contender capable of delivering effective representation at the Senate.

Declaring him “the bridge between experience and innovation,” the stakeholders made a passionate appeal for Ochei to heed the call to service and formally declare his ambition.

“We therefore respectfully and passionately appeal to him to answer this call to higher service and offer himself for the Delta North Senatorial seat,” the statement read, adding that they are fully mobilized to deliver votes across Ika Federal Constituency and beyond.

In a final rallying cry, the group urged: “Rt. Honourable, run—run for Senate.”

Those who signed the statement includes Barrister Chuks Ogbuobodo, a former South-South APC Legal Adviser, Engr Donald Igudia, MNSE, National coordinator, Hon. IK Ada Desmond, Deputy National coordinator and Comrade Oji Stephen , National Secretary.

Full text of the statement reads:

A CALL TO SERVICE: IKA PROGRESSIVE STAKEHOLDERS URGE RT. HON. VICTOR OCHEI, FNSE, ESQ, TO CONTEST FOR THE 2027 DELTA NORTH SENATORIAL ELECTIONS ON THE PLATFORM OF THE APC

We, the Ika Progressive Stakeholders, comprising leaders, youths, professionals, women groups, and committed party faithful across Ika Nation, hereby make this earnest and patriotic call to our distinguished Leader, Patron and Son, Rt. Hon Victor O. Ochei, FNSE, ESQ, to present himself for service of the people of Delta North Senatorial District by contesting for the Senatorial seat under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

This call is not made lightly. It is borne out of a careful assessment of capacity, competence, character, proven and established service delivery.

Firstly, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei’s outstanding performance as a legislator representing Aniocha North Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly remains a benchmark of effective representation that has yet to be surpassed.

His tenure was marked by impactful legislation, constituency development, and a deep commitment to the welfare of his people through various empowerment programs.

Secondly, as Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, he demonstrated uncommon leadership, administrative competence, and the ability to build consensus across party lines.
Under his stewardship, the Assembly experienced stability, productivity, and institutional strengthening.

Thirdly, his tenure as Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) showcased his capacity to deliver at the federal level. He brought innovation, diligence, and strategic direction to the maritime sector, contributing to national economic growth and workforce development.

Fourthly, Rt. Hon. Ochei’s philanthropic footprint across Delta North is both visible and impactful. Through sustained interventions in education, healthcare, youth empowerment, community development, and sports, he has consistently demonstrated a heart for the people and a commitment to inclusive progress.

Fifthly, his broad acceptability across the nine Local Government Areas of Delta North Senatorial District sets him out as a candidate with widespread grassroots support. He is widely respected across ethnic, political, and generational divides.

Sixthly, at a time when unity and strategic alignment are critical for the success of the APC, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei possesses the rare ability to unify Delta North and galvanise the necessary support for the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. His candidacy offers a credible and definite pathway to delivering Delta North to the APC at the 2027 elections.

Furthermore, we note his technocratic background as an engineer, lawyer and administrator, his national exposure, and his strong network across political and economic circles as added advantages that position him for effective representation at the Senate.

His integrity, accessibility, and track record of mentorship for young leaders further reinforce our confidence in his ability to provide purposeful and people-oriented representation that will take Delta North senatorial District to the next level.

In conclusion, we firmly believe that Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei represents the bridge between experience and innovation, politics and governance, unity and progress, and local relevance with national influence.

Delta North deserves a senator who understands the needs of the people and has the capacity to deliver — and in Victor Ochei, we see that leader.

We therefore respectfully and passionately appeal to him to answer this call to higher service and offer himself for the Delta North Senatorial seat under the APC.

We pledge our unalloyed support and reassure him of our readiness to work assiduously to deliver the necessary votes across all wards in Ika Federal Constituency and beyond.

Rt Honourable, Run, Run For Senate!

Signed:
*Ika Progressive Stakeholders,*
*Delta North Senatorial District,*
*April 2026*