With just about two weeks to the APC congress to produce the party flag bearers, a grassroot mobilizer, APC stalwart and philanthropist, Hon. Innocent Oghenevwairhe Umukoro, has obtained the party’s nomination form to contest for Ughelli North Constituency 11 seat in the Delta State House of Assembly.
Umukoro, a well-known grassroots politician, said he is determined to change the narrative in the constituency if given the opportunity to serve while addressing journalists.
The philanthropist maintained that it was time for politicians to allow the people’s choice to prevail, stressing that imposing candidates on constituents amounts to suppressive governance.
“It is high time we allow the constituents to choose their representative. Imposing a candidate on the people is always suppressive governance.
“I have always been with the people and I know their needs, unlike those who only visit once in four years,” he said.
He described successive representation of the constituency as years of poor performance, selfishness and greed, adding that he was ready to offer a better alternative.
Umukoro said he is the best candidate for the job in 2027, insisting that his grassroots credentials, closeness to the people and record of support to many individuals give him an edge.
“I am the only alternative needed to attract positive representation to our people after enduring poor services for years.
“Politics is about structure, grassroots influence, commitment, dedication and, above all, loyalty to party policies and leaders,” he added.
He explained that his decision to join the race was driven by the need to address poor infrastructure, youth empowerment, insecurity and inadequate representation in the constituency.
“My ambition to contest for the House of Assembly seat is not only to provide employment and basic social amenities, but also to demonstrate a commitment to the economic empowerment of my people.
“As a homeboy who understands our pains and potentials, I will bring development that touches every household but not projects that are not needed by the people” he said.
Umukoro assured constituents that his tracks record would help him move Ughelli North Constituency 11 forward, stressing that collective progress remains his priority.
Political observers say the 2027 election will likely test grassroots popularity as well as the influence of incumbency and imposition by the power that be.