2027: Delta South APC aspirant Ikpokpo pledges inclusive representation
Frontline Delta South senatorial aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Itiako Ikpokpo, has pledged to deliver fair and inclusive representation if elected in the 2027 polls. Ikpokpo, a former
- By Elo Edremoda, Warri
Frontline Delta South senatorial aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Itiako Ikpokpo, has pledged to deliver fair and inclusive representation if elected in the 2027 polls.
Ikpokpo, a former chairman of Isoko South Local Government Area and ex-Director-General of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), intensified his grassroots campaign on Sunday, taking his C.L.U.E agenda to the Warri Urhobo APC leadership in Warri South Local Government Area.
Speaking to party leaders and members, Ikpokpo emphasized that his ambition is anchored in direct engagement with constituents and people-driven leadership. He outlined his C.L.U.E framework — Communication, Legislate, Unite, and Empower — as the blueprint for his legislative agenda.
“My team and I are engaging constituents across Delta South to understand their needs and expectations. Our agenda is clear — to communicate effectively, legislate for the people, unite our diverse communities, and empower our citizens,” he said.
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He identified poor communication between elected officials and constituents as a major gap in governance, pledging constant engagement and accessibility if elected.
Ikpokpo said his legislative priorities would target infrastructure deficits, youth unemployment, and limited economic opportunities, particularly in oil-producing communities, while stressing that unity across ethnic lines remains critical to stability and development.
“The people are at the centre of my aspiration. They know me, and they can hold me accountable. Leadership must be accessible, responsible, and people-driven,” he stated.
The consultation, however, took a sharper political turn as the aspirant dismissed recent endorsement claims for the incumbent senator, Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, by sections of the Isoko nation.
“It is a non-event. If somebody has been in the Senate for three years and did not call meetings or town halls, then suddenly wakes up seeking endorsement, I call it a shame. It’s an embarrassment to democratic values. It smacks of desperation,” he said.
He insisted that he would not be drawn into such stage-managed endorsements, stressing that his strategy was built on direct voter engagement, which would also translate into garnering massive votes for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
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“For me, I am not looking for endorsement; I am looking for engagement. I want to talk to our people. Nobody should think they can snatch a ticket simply because a general election is coming.
"We want to ensure that the President and the Governor get massive votes. The governor and president have tried to add value to our country in many ways,” he added.
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At the Warri meeting, he described the atmosphere as “convivial,” assuring the Urhobo bloc of fairness and inclusivity, while pledging to bridge representation gaps across Isoko, Urhobo, Ijaw, and Itsekiri communities.
“The people are my selling point. These are people who can hold me accountable. I will be fair and ensure everyone gets what is due to them,” he said.
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He also promised to “create the platform for conversations” to guarantee equitable political participation across the district.
Leaders of the Warri Urhobo APC, including the Chairman, Bernard Okumagba; Secretary, Vincent Okudolor, and Woman Leader Ann Gagiyovwe, commended the consultative approach, describing it as a demonstration of inclusive leadership.
They called for internal democracy and transparency in candidate selection ahead of 2027, while reaffirming support for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Other party stakeholders, including Festus Ukeje and a youth leader, Oghenetejiri, welcomed the outreach and urged broader engagement across the district.
