The interview presented a series of contradictions that deserve public scrutiny.
First, I will not dwell on the attacks the Governor unleashed against the image of His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Ovie Omo-Agege. The Governor’s repeated attempts to blackmail Obarisi merely betrayed a sense of panic and apprehension over the growing acceptance of Omo-Agege’s candidacy across Delta Central especially when compared to the Governor’s preferred candidate
Governor Oborevwori anchored his own reelection bid on what he described as his administration’s performance in delivering “infrastructure across Delta State”. Whether Deltans agree with that assessment or not, performance remains an objective standard upon which voters can make their judgment.
Curiously, however, when it came to the reelection of Senator Ede Dafinone, the Governor appeared to rely heavily on the ‘prominence’ of the Dafinone family name in Urhoboland.
This raises an obvious question: If performance is the standard for assessing a governor, why should family pedigree become the standard for assessing a senator?
Democracy is not hereditary. A public office is not an inheritance. The people of Delta Central must continue to evaluate candidates based on measurable achievements, legislative effectiveness, constituency impact, and the fulfillment of campaign promises—not on the reputation of their fathers.
Indeed, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege also comes from a distinguished family. His father, Justice James Omo-Agege, served with honour as Chief Judge of the old Bendel State. Yet Omo-Agege’s political relevance today is judged by his own public record and accomplishments, not by his father’s legacy. The same standard should apply to every politician.
The Governor also portrayed himself as a defender of zoning, equity, and political inclusion. However, his position raises serious concerns about consistency.
Since the return to democratic rule in 1999, Delta politics has generally been guided by a delicate balance intended to ensure that political opportunities are broadly distributed among the various ethnic and political constituencies in the state.
Yet, while preaching equity and inclusion, the Governor strongly supports the reelection of Senator Ede Dafinone from the Okpe axis, the same broad political constituency and kingdom from which the Governor himself emerged. This naturally gives rise to legitimate questions.
If zoning and fairness are truly the guiding principles, should those principles not be applied consistently across the board? If political inclusion is the objective, should opportunities not be distributed in a manner that promotes a sense of belonging among all segments of Delta Central?
Political integrity requires consistency. Principles lose their meaning when they are applied selectively.
The Tinubu Question
Perhaps the most remarkable contradiction was the Governor’s appeal for Deltans to support President Bola Tinubu in 2027 because he is a son-in-law of Delta State. That argument immediately invites another question:
Was President Tinubu not a son-in-law of Delta State in 2023?
The same political establishment that actively campaigned against Tinubu’s presidential ambition in 2023 is now presenting his family connection to Delta State as a compelling reason for support in 2027. The Governor could not point out one star project of the Tinubu administration in Delta State to convince Deltans.
Political leaders are free to change their positions. Circumstances change, alliances evolve, and political realities shift. However, when such changes occur, the public deserves a clear and honest explanation..
What exactly changed between 2023 and 2027? Was the earlier position wrong, or is the current one merely politically convenient?
These are questions that deserve answers.
The central issue is not Governor Oborevwori, Senator Ede Dafinone, President Tinubu, or Senator Ovie Omo-Agege as individuals. The issue is consistency.
When performance is cited as the basis for one candidate’s reelection, but family history is cited for another, questions arise.
When zoning is preached but appears selectively applied, questions arise.
When a candidate once opposed is later endorsed on grounds that already existed at the time of that opposition, questions arise.
Political credibility is not measured by “eloquent” television appearances. It is measured by the consistency between principles and actions.
Deltans are intelligent, politically aware, and capable of drawing their own conclusions. Ultimately, they will judge leaders not merely by what they say today, but by whether their words align with their past actions and professed principles.
This remains the true test of political integrity.
~ Austine Kpedi
Writes from Egini, Udu LGA, Delta State.
