A councillor, Kelvin Chukwudum Nwabueze, has formally declared his intention to contest for the Oshimili South State Constituency seat in the Delta State House of Assembly, outlining a vision centered on transparency, youth empowerment, and accountable leadership.
Speaking during a press conference at NOL24 Media Cathedral in Asaba, Nwabueze emphasized that leadership requires more than rhetoric, describing it as “having a clear direction and destination for people to follow.”
He pointed to his track record in local government as evidence of his capacity to deliver, noting his role in sponsoring legislative initiatives, including environmental and public health-related bills.
Driven by Conviction and Faith
Nwabueze attributed his decision to run to personal conviction and faith, stating that he believes he has been led to pursue the role.
He also expressed confidence in the current Delta State administration led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, praising its focus on fiscal prudence and quality project execution.
According to him, this governance environment creates an opportunity for competent young leaders to contribute meaningfully.
He further cited the influence of established political leaders in Delta North who, he said, are committed to mentoring emerging politicians.
Call for Equity and Fair Representation
A major pillar of Nwabueze’s campaign is what he described as the need for fairness in political representation across Oshimili South.
He argued that certain areas within the constituency have dominated leadership positions for decades, making a case for power rotation to ensure inclusivity.
“For equity and fairness, it is appropriate that other communities are given the opportunity to represent the constituency,” he said, adding that competence should remain the primary consideration.
Legislative Focus and Governance Approach
If elected, Nwabueze pledged to prioritize lawmaking, advocacy, and effective communication between constituents and the state government.
He criticized what he described as a culture of misinformation among political aides, arguing that leaders perform better when they receive honest feedback.
“I will be vocal. I will speak the truth and relay the real situation of my people to the government,” he said.
He also promised to institutionalize quarterly town hall meetings to keep constituents informed and gather feedback on his performance.
In the event of underperformance, he said voters should hold him accountable, even to the point of rejecting him in future elections.
Youth Empowerment and Job Creation
Addressing youth unemployment, Nwabueze proposed reviving dormant industries within the constituency through public-private partnerships.
He highlighted the need to identify challenges facing local factories and attract investment to restore economic activity.
Beyond traditional employment, he pointed to opportunities in emerging sectors such as the blue economy and natural resource exploration, particularly in riverine areas like Okpai.
He stressed that effective representation requires technical knowledge and proactive engagement with investors.
Track Record and Accountability
Responding to skepticism about political promises, Nwabueze cited his intervention in a local health centre project as an example of his commitment to standards.
He claimed to have halted substandard construction work, leading to a review and reconstruction of the facility.
“I do not care whose interest is affected.
If it is not right, I will say it,” he stated.
Campaign Strategy and Political Identity
Nwabueze downplayed the role of party affiliation in his campaign, arguing that voters are increasingly focused on individual credibility.
Having previously been associated with another political platform before joining the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), he said his reputation for service and integrity remains his strongest asset.
He assured Oshimili South people of consistent engagement, including regular media briefings and direct interaction with grassroots communities.
As the race for Oshimili South intensifies, Nwabueze’s campaign appears set to hinge on his message of accountability, youth inclusion, and a departure from conventional political practices.
