– By Team Ochei
The ancient town of Issele-Uku, headquarters of Aniocha North Local Government Area, virtually collapsed under the weight of an electrifying political tsunami yesterday as the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Delta North Senatorial Candidate, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei Esq, FNSE, alongside the Senatorial Chairman of the party, Hon. Aaron Udoka Ebenuwa, stormed the community for a high-impact grassroots mobilisation.
The day began with the official opening of the NDC Campaign Office in Issele-Uku by the former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, courtesy of the Aniocha North Constituency 1 and 2 candidates of the party. The ceremony marked a significant milestone in the party’s infrastructure buildup ahead of the 2027 general elections, drawing party faithful, supporters, and community members who thronged the facility in a show of solidarity.
Thereafter, Rt. Hon. Ochei led a massive procession with the jubilant crowd, marching through the streets of Issele-Uku in a powerful display of political strength and grassroots energy. The street march, characterised by traditional songs, solidarity chants, and visible enthusiasm, culminated at the Obi’s Square, where the main defection rally and reception of new members took place.
At the Obi’s Square, the NDC formally received a wave of defectors from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Labour Party. In a dramatic and symbolic act, the defectors gathered APC brooms (the party’s emblem) and set them ablaze, declaring a total break from the darkness their former platforms represent.
The multilingual former primus inter pares of the Delta State legislature addressed the gathering in typical Enuani dialect, skillfully weaving in Hausa expressions to salute the northern community present. Visibly satisfied with the defections, Ochei expressed profound gratitude to the new members for choosing the NDC.
“This choice you have made makes me happy because it is a choice you’re making for your children and future generations,” he declared. “It is time we stop sending people to represent us who will go with nothing to show. We must stop electing people who will go and serve their personal interests first, but choose those with the readiness to serve the people.”
He commended party leaders for their hard work and unrelenting efforts in growing the NDC and advancing the candidacy of Mr. Peter Obi, the NDC Presidential Candidate, describing him as “the best presidential candidate… a man loved by all.” Ochei charged the defectors to identify and bring their associates still in their former parties, stressing that while the gathering was not a formal campaign event, the momentum for 2027 must be accelerated.
“I am running for Senate, and while this is not my Campaign event, I want you all to bring more people to join NDC and support our party in 2027,” he urged.
He presented the NDC’s formidable lineup for the elections: Mr. Peter Obi for President; Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, the governorship candidate “who has the innovation to Industrialize Delta State”; Dame Isioma Ndah for House of Representatives; Dr. Uzoma Awunor for House of Assembly Constituency 1; and Sir Vincent Ugbelase for House of Assembly Constituency 2.
“This is the line-up of the NDC and we will make Nigeria better,” Ochei affirmed, urging the people of Delta North to stand firmly with the party for a New Direction in the senatorial district and the birth of a New Nigeria.
Other leaders and stakeholders took the stage in succession. Dr. Awunor Valentine (House of Assembly Candidate), Sir Vincent Ugbelase (House of Assembly Candidate), Prince Ibe Ozoma, Chief Iwebunor Osakwe (Omeifeasoani, Ogwuluzeme) and several other party chieftains delivered impassioned addresses that reinforced calls for unity, aggressive grassroots mobilisation, and a decisive rejection of the old order.
A standout moment came when a teenage singing sensation took the stage. Her powerful performance drew wild acclaim from the crowd and earned her an immediate educational scholarship covering her studies all the way to university level, a gesture widely seen as a commitment to investing in the next generation.
Rt Hon Ochei was alongside his Campaign Director-General Hon Gift Okwuolise Ph.D, NDC Chieftain in Delta North Chief Jacob Azikiwe Nwabuwa (Sir JAN), and other members of his entourage.
As the event drew to a close, the message from Issele-Uku was unmistakable: the NDC’s New Direction is gaining irresistible momentum across Delta North, with communities increasingly choosing a future defined by service, competence, and genuine representation.