2027: Ukodhiko Bags Ozoro APC Endorsement for Second Term ~ Truth Reporters

By Louis Sagacious 

Leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ozoro Wards 1, 2, and 3 have moved to dispel growing rumours suggesting that the community had withdrawn support for Rep. Pst. Jonathan Ajirioghene Ukodhiko, Member representing Isoko North and South Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives.

At a well-attended stakeholders’ meeting in Ozoro, party leaders described the claim as misleading, stating clearly that it does not reflect the position of the community.

The clarification follows reports in circulation alleging that Ukodhiko had fallen out with Rt. Hon. Leo Ogor, former Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, and that Ozoro would therefore not support his re-election in 2027.

Presenting the matter, the Senior Special Assistant to Ukodhiko, Pst. Engr. Sunday Elueni, described the narrative as a misrepresentation. He noted that several sons and daughters of Ozoro are part of Ukodhiko’s working structure, including Ambassador Chief Caroline Usikpedo, Uzuazomaro Umukoro, and Comr. Odio Don Odafe, among others.

Elueni explained that the issue stemmed from the nomination of the APC Local Government Chairman during the recent congress process. He stated that a six-man committee comprising Hon. Joseph Onojaeme, Commissioner for Health; Barr. Hon. Bernard Odior, Member representing Isoko North in the Delta State House of Assembly; Barr. Daniel Emebuno, former Isoko North APC Local Government Chairman; Chief Oghenekome Okpobor, Executive Director (Finance and Administration), DESOPADEC; Elder Hon. Godwin Ogorugba, Chairman of Isoko North Local Government; and Rep. Ukodhiko himself, was tasked with producing a candidate.

According to him, Ukodhiko, being the highest political office holder in the constituency, nominated Mr. Sunday Omanokome, a decision that was unanimously adopted by the committee.

Corroborating this, Chief Emmanuel Edevor, former Chairman of Isoko North Local Government and Chairman of the Ozoro Council of Chiefs, stated that the right to nominate the Local Government party chairman traditionally rests with the highest political office holder. He added that the nomination was accepted and affirmed without opposition.

Edevor warned against attempts to drag Ozoro into political division, stressing that no individual should claim to speak for the entire community based on personal grievances. He maintained that Ukodhiko has performed creditably and deserves continued support.

In his contribution, High Chief Miller Akpoili, former President General of Ozoro, expressed concern that Rt. Hon. Leo Ogor may have been misled by some individuals.

He therefore moved that Ozoro should stand by Ukodhiko.

Sir Nicolas Areh, also a former President General of Ozoro, clarified that Rt. Hon. Leo Ogor did not direct that Ozoro should withdraw support for Ukodhiko. He explained that while Ogor may have expressed personal dissatisfaction, the interpretation being circulated was the work of someone present in that meeting who misrepresented it for reason best known to him.

Further reinforcing the position, Dr. Chief Gabriel Ebegbare, the Awhotu of Ozoro Kingdom, moved a motion that Ozoro should support Ukodhiko, which was seconded by Prince Maikpobi Onokareme, Delta State Chairman of PANDEF.

The motion was subsequently put to a voice vote by former member of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abikelegba Odhegolor, with the "ayes" overwhelmingly prevailing.

Other prominent leaders present at the meeting included Chief Sunday Ejemite, former President General of Ozoro; Comr. Sunny Areh, former media aide to Governor James Ibori; Comr. Ake Esime, Isoko North NULGE Chairman; Barr. Jim Elueni, former Legal Adviser of the PDP in Delta State; as well as leaders of Ozoro Wards 1, 2, and 3.

Also in attendance were traditional chiefs, women leaders, youth leaders, and other APC stakeholders across Ozoro.

The meeting ended with a vote of thanks delivered by Barr. Jim Elueni on behalf of the stakeholders.