ASABA/Nigeria: Dr. Hilary Ibegbulem has mounted a robust defence of the political legacy of former Delta State Governor and immediate past vice-presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, dismissing claims reportedly attributed to former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, as misleading and inaccurate.
In a statement titled “Response to a Purported Interview Attributed to Victor Ochei,” Ibegbulem said that although he had not independently verified the authenticity of the interview, the issues raised in the report warranted clarification in the interest of fairness and public understanding.
He challenged Ochei’s reported claim that his political decisions had never been influenced by personal ambition, recalling that during the build-up to the 2015 elections, Ochei was allegedly encouraged to contest for the Delta North Senatorial seat while supporting Okowa’s governorship aspiration. According to Ibegbulem, Ochei declined the proposal and instead joined the race for the PDP governorship ticket against Okowa.
Ibegbulem noted that following his defeat in the PDP governorship primary, Ochei left the party and contested the Delta North Senate seat on the platform of the Accord Party, where he was defeated by the late Senator Peter Nwaoboshi.
He further stated that Ochei won only his local government area during the election, arguing that the outcome raised questions about the motivation behind his political choices and whether they were driven by collective interest or personal ambition.
Reacting to reports that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had at one time sought to persuade Ochei not to challenge Okowa politically, Ibegbulem maintained that such a move should not be interpreted as evidence of Ochei’s electoral strength. Rather, he said it reflected the widespread confidence in Okowa’s leadership credentials, experience and capacity to represent Delta North at the National Assembly.
The former governor’s ally described Okowa as one of Delta State’s most accomplished public servants, highlighting his extensive record in government. He listed Okowa’s service as Executive Chairman of Ika North East Local Government Area, Commissioner in several ministries, Secretary to the State Government, Governor of Delta State for eight years and a prominent figure in national politics.
Ibegbulem also dismissed allegations that Okowa was advancing family interests through elective positions, insisting that the former governor has no in-law contesting for any political office in Delta North Senatorial District or Ika Federal Constituency.
Addressing references to Mr. Emmanuel Osazuwa, the APC candidate for the Ika Federal Constituency House of Representatives seat in the 2027 elections, he stated that neither Osazuwa nor his wife has any family relationship with Okowa.
According to him, attempts to portray Osazuwa’s political aspiration as an extension of Okowa’s family interests were unfounded and designed to mislead the public.
He equally rejected claims that Okowa had abandoned political associates who contributed to his rise, stressing that many of the former governor’s long-standing allies and supporters still maintain cordial relationships with him.
