OLEH/Nigeria: A Texas-based Family Medicine Physician and former founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Austin Orette, has defected to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), citing alleged marginalisation of party loyalists and a breakdown of internal democracy within the ruling party in Delta State.
Orette, who disclosed his decision while addressing journalists in Lagos on Tuesday, said the APC had effectively sidelined its founding members, insisting that the party’s current structure in the state no longer accommodates fairness or transparency in its processes.
“The All Progressives Congress (APC) wants the incumbent to hold the position without primary elections. In this wise, I can say I did not leave the ruling party. It was APC that left me,” he declared.
The Delta South senatorial aspirant further alleged that the influx of defectors into the APC had created an environment that is increasingly hostile to original members of the party.
He, however, expressed personal goodwill towards President Bola Tinubu, stating, “I love President Bola Tinubu. I wish him well.”
Positioning the 2027 general elections as a contest of intellect and vision, Orette called on Nigerians to prioritize competence and capacity in electing their representatives, particularly into the National Assembly.
“The Senate is the engine house of democracy. It is a place for the debate of ideas. In Nigeria, people who are not intellectually sound are allocated tickets in National Assembly elections,” he said.
Reflecting on his motivation for public office, Orette recounted a tragic incident in his hometown where a shortage of medical personnel allegedly led to the death of a woman, describing it as a stark reminder of the urgent need to reform Nigeria’s healthcare system.
He outlined an ambitious agenda focused on economic empowerment, promising to create jobs through entrepreneurship, attract foreign investments, and equip local artisans with modern skills and tools.
“I believe I can serve my people. I have been in this journey for long. I will make the people rich. I will attract a lot of foreign investments to the area. I will train citizens to be of service to others and open offices across Delta South,” he said, adding that he intends to transform Ogbe-Ijoh Market into a major commercial hub.
The medical expert also pledged to tackle critical infrastructure deficits, including electricity, healthcare and agriculture, while strengthening agricultural extension services with modern equipment.
On governance, Orette criticised what he described as restrictive provisions in the 1999 Constitution, advocating a restructuring of Nigeria to allow greater decentralisation of power.
“Uniformity does not build a country,” he asserted, calling for reforms that would empower local communities and sustain the aspirations of young Nigerians.
He further reflected on Nigeria’s political evolution, attributing many of the country’s systemic challenges to prolonged military rule and its lingering influence on civilian leadership.
“The military brought Nigeria to this state. The military destroyed our institutions. Today, political actors exhibit behaviours akin to military rule. We need to demilitarize the mindset of our leaders,” he said.
Orette also proposed the establishment of a reserve army and a six-month voluntary military training programme for Nigerian youths, suggesting that such initiatives would enhance national preparedness during emergencies.
He concluded by warning against rising authoritarian tendencies, legislative inefficiency and growing public apathy, urging a collective effort to rebuild democratic values and foster a society grounded in equity, responsibility and mutual respect.
