By Emmanuel Enebeli
ASABA/Nigeria: A public affairs analyst and communications consultant, Mr. Kenny Okolugbo, has said that visible infrastructure development and increased federal government presence in Delta State could significantly influence voters’ decisions in future elections.
Okolugbo made the observation during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise programme on Thursday, where he reflected on the political dynamics that shaped the 2023 general elections and factors likely to determine future electoral outcomes in the state.
According to him, although the Labour Party secured about 341,000 votes in the 2023 presidential election in Delta State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) went on to win the governorship election, a development he said demonstrated the fluid nature of the electorate.
He explained that voters often make different choices depending on prevailing circumstances and local political realities.
“While political actors may have moved from one party to another since the last election, the real question is whether the voters themselves have shifted their loyalties,” Okolugbo said.
He added that electoral outcomes are largely shaped by grassroots engagement, stressing that elections in Nigeria are fundamentally local.
The analyst noted that voters are often influenced by tangible development projects within their communities, particularly roads, bridges and other infrastructure that directly impact their daily lives.
Okolugbo commended Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for what he described as a development-driven agenda, noting that the governor has continued to execute people-oriented programmes and infrastructure projects across the state.
He said such initiatives have contributed to visible development in several communities and are capable of shaping public perception about governance.
According to him, Delta State has witnessed ongoing infrastructure development as well as the establishment of new tertiary institutions, although he believes that many of these achievements are not being sufficiently communicated to the public.
Okolugbo stressed that a more deliberate effort to showcase government projects and programmes would enable residents to better appreciate the extent of development taking place across the state.
He also pointed to the growing presence of federal government projects in Delta State, noting that strong representation and influence at the national level often help attract development initiatives to states and communities.
According to him, this underscores the importance political analysts place on maintaining connections with the centre of power, as it can translate into tangible benefits for local communities.
“When communities begin to experience new infrastructure and development projects after years of neglect, such improvements can strongly influence public perception and voting behaviour,” he said.
“At times, your work speaks for you. When people see the direct impact of projects in their communities, it becomes difficult to convince them not to support those responsible for the development.”
Okolugbo also acknowledged that prevailing economic conditions remain a major factor shaping political attitudes, noting that issues such as inflation, exchange rate volatility and government spending continue to dominate public discourse.
He observed that the current administration has taken steps aimed at stabilising the economy, including efforts to manage exchange rate fluctuations and implement fiscal reforms.
However, he noted that challenges still exist in areas such as funding and the timely payment for government contracts.
According to him, addressing these economic concerns will remain crucial in shaping public confidence and political support in the years ahead.
