Agboje Chuks
IKA SOUTH— The former Labour Party candidate for the Ika Federal Constituency House of Representatives in the last general election, Mr. Utomi Nwanne, has claimed that he was the rightful winner of the election, asserting that his mandate was “stolen” from him.
Nwanne, who contested the previous election under the Labour Party (LP) banner, has now shifted his sights. He is seeking to represent the people of the Delta North Senatorial District under the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Speaking immediately after an enlarged party meeting held at the Ika South NDC Secretariat on Upper Imudia Street, Agbor, Nwanne explained his decision not to run for the House of Representatives again.
He noted that, in the spirit of fairness, it is the turn of Ika South to produce the next representative.
He hinted that he opted for the Senate instead, where he expects to draw strong support from both Ika South and the wider Delta North region.
“The House of Representatives would have been an easy ride for me, but because of fairness and equity, I cannot contest that seat again,” Nwanne said.
When asked how he intends to navigate the political terrain and defeat established political “godfathers” in Ika North East, Nwanne remained unfazed.
He pointed out that those same political figures were active when he allegedly won the House of Representatives election.
Furthermore, he claimed allegiance to a much higher political force: Mr. Peter Obi.
“I have a bigger godfather in Mr. Peter Obi, who is bigger than any godfather in Nigeria,” Nwanne claimed, adding that through Obi’s influence and the power of the ‘Obidient’ movement, he would surmount all obstacles.
Highlighting his legislative priorities, Nwanne stated that tackling poor infrastructure and poverty would be his main focus, expressing deep concern over the current state of the district.
“When I drove around Delta North, I saw poverty. No roads, no light. It pains me to see our people languishing in poverty.”
He criticized current politicians, alleging that once they get into office, they simply pocket public funds for themselves just as he declared that this era of self-enrichment was over.
Nwanne concluded by expressing confidence that, alongside Peter Obi, his campaign would succeed, ensuring that the dividends of democracy would reach everyday citizens without the need for political favoritism.
