Competence, inclusivity should guide Delta's 2031 succession debate, says Kpokpogri
Chairman of the Anti-Corruption and Integrity Forum, Comrade Prince Kpokpogri, has called for strategic caution and political maturity in Nigeria. In a statement made available to The Nation over the
Chairman of the Anti-Corruption and Integrity Forum, Comrade Prince Kpokpogri, has called for strategic caution and political maturity in Nigeria.
In a statement made available to The Nation over the weekend, Kpokpogri warned against choices driven by zoning sentiments, insisting that competence, experience, inclusiveness, and proven leadership capacity should take precedence over ethnic considerations or early political posturing.
He said while the government of Oborevwori continues to implement its MORE Agenda development blueprint, attention should gradually shift to how its gains can be sustained beyond 2031.
By existing zoning arrangements, power is expected to rotate to Delta South in 2031, narrowing potential contenders to aspirants from the Isoko and Ijaw ethnic nationalities. However, Kpokpogri argued that leadership should be determined not by financial strength or media visibility but by the ability to manage the state’s diversity, unite its three senatorial districts, and govern in the collective interest of all Deltans.
Read Also: Matawalle hails Nigerian-made drones, boosts local defence production
He noted that both the Isoko and Ijaw nations have experienced professionals and public office holders capable of offering credible leadership. He urged stakeholders to assess aspirants based on broad acceptability across Delta Central, Delta North, and Delta South, as well as their capacity for coalition-building and electoral viability.
Kpokpogri also underscored the importance of strong representation at the National Assembly ahead of 2027 and 2031, saying effective senators could enhance federal collaboration and strengthen Delta’s political leverage.
He referenced the national visibility of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and the experience of former governor and senator Ifeanyi Okowa as examples of figures with significant influence at the federal level. He maintained that Delta State’s long-term stability would depend on leadership committed to industrialisation, job creation, fiscal prudence, and equitable project distribution.
According to him, political stakeholders and citizens must ensure that succession decisions in 2031 are guided by unity and long-term vision rather than narrow interests.
