By Mokobia Rita
OKPANAM/Nigeria: Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor of Delta State, Ogbueshi Innocent Uchibuolu, has attributed the overwhelming victory recorded by former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in Ward 9, Okpanam, during the APC senatorial primary election to the lasting impact of the developmental projects and transformation witnessed in the community during Okowa’s administration.
Uchibuolu stated this shortly after the primary election in Ward 9, Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area, where former Governor Okowa defeated incumbent Senator Ned Nwoko by a wide margin, polling 4,462 votes against Nwoko’s single vote.
The governor’s aide said the outcome was not merely a political victory but a reflection of the gratitude and appreciation of the people of Okpanam towards a leader they believed had positively impacted their lives and community.
The exercise, which attracted thousands of party faithful and supporters, transformed the atmosphere in the community into a celebration of political participation, with residents turning out in large numbers for what observers described as one of the biggest and most peaceful political gatherings witnessed in the area.
According to Uchibuolu, the turnout exceeded expectations, with over four thousand APC members participating peacefully in the exercise.
He maintained that the massive support enjoyed by Okowa was rooted in the developmental strides recorded in Okpanam during his years as governor, insisting that the people had chosen to reciprocate what they considered years of good governance.
“In Ward 9 Okpanam, we have decided to give back to a man who was there for us when he was governor. This victory is not just politics; it is appreciation for good governance and service to the people,” he said.
The SSA to the governor noted that residents had not forgotten the infrastructural and urban transformation the town experienced under Okowa’s administration, stressing that his contributions played a significant role in shaping the modern outlook of the community.
He described Okpanam as one of the areas that witnessed rapid growth and development under the former governor, adding that the connection between Okowa and the people remained strong because of those visible achievements.
“Okowa transformed Okpanam into a modern city. That is why our people came out in their numbers to support him. Even if he loses elsewhere, he can never lose in Okpanam because the people here know what he did for them,” Uchibuolu declared.
He further expressed confidence that the support demonstrated during the primary election would increase ahead of the 2027 general elections, noting that party members and residents were prepared to mobilise for the former governor.
According to him, politics should be driven by performance and recognition of leaders who had shown genuine commitment to the welfare and development of the people.
“You show love to those who show love to you. Okowa served our people well, and today the people have spoken loudly through their votes,” he added.
Also speaking, APC Ward 9 executive member, Mr. Chinedu Okondo, described the exercise as peaceful, transparent and credible.
Okondo said the result reflected grassroots realities, insisting that electoral victories were earned through performance, hard work and sustained connection with the people.
“Okowa worked harder and connected more with the people than Ned Nwoko, and that is why he won convincingly in Ward 9 Okpanam,” he stated.
The primary election ended amid celebrations across parts of Okpanam, with supporters hailing the outcome as a reward for impactful leadership and years of visible development in the community.
For many residents, the result represented more than an electoral exercise, but a reaffirmation that developmental achievements and lasting impact continue to shape political decisions in the area.
