ASABA—Ahead of the 2027 general elections, a new political assessment has projected a keen contest for the All Progressives Congress, APC, senatorial ticket in Delta North, with former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Victor Ochei, emerging as the leading contender.

The report, released yesterday by public affairs analyst Omobola Itaye, identified Ochei as holding a strategic advantage over former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and incumbent Senator Ned Nwoko, citing his growing grassroots appeal and expanding support among young voters across the Anioma axis.

According to the assessment, the Delta North race is shaping up as a high-stakes political battle among three heavyweights, each representing different strands of influence within the state’s political landscape. 

While the contest is anchored on individual ambition, the report noted that it has also evolved into a broader debate over the future direction of Anioma politics, particularly around issues of inclusiveness, generational shift, and coalition-building.

The report acknowledged Okowa’s extensive political career, describing it as one of the most far-reaching in Delta State’s democratic history.

 It highlighted his experience across multiple levels of governance, including his tenure as commissioner, Secretary to the State Government, senator, and two-term governor, as well as his role as vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 elections.

However, it noted that concerns persist among political stakeholders over what is perceived as prolonged dominance and centralization of influence during the latter part of his administration, which some believe alienated certain blocs within the state. 

It added that ongoing scrutiny by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) could also shape public perception as the contest unfolds.

On his part, Senator Ned Nwoko was described as a visible and issue-driven politician, particularly for his advocacy on malaria eradication and diaspora engagement, which have earned him recognition within and outside Nigeria. 

Despite this, the report suggested that his political machinery has largely operated outside the traditional power structure in Delta State, raising questions about his ability to consolidate the alliances required to secure the APC ticket.

In contrast, Ochei was presented as a bridge between experience and political renewal. The report pointed to his tenure as Speaker, where he was credited with demonstrating legislative competence and consensus-building capacity, qualities seen as critical for effective representation at the Senate.

It further argued that unlike Okowa, Ochei is not weighed down by concerns of prolonged political dominance, and unlike Nwoko, his influence is firmly rooted within the existing political structure in the state. 

This positioning, the report noted, has enabled him to attract support across multiple political blocs without significant resistance.

The assessment also linked the emerging political dynamics to ongoing realignments in Delta State under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, noting that the current climate has intensified calls for inclusive leadership and equitable power distribution.

Within this context, the report stated that the Delta North electorate appears to be weighing three broad choices: continuity under an established but potentially polarizing political order, a high-profile candidacy with evolving structural integration, or a middle-ground option that combines stability with renewal.

While acknowledging the strengths of Okowa and Nwoko, the report maintained that the unfolding contest would likely be decided by the electorate’s preference for either continuity or a strategic shift toward a more inclusive political framework in Delta North.