A major political contest is brewing in Delta South Senatorial District as Michael Diden, former board chairman of Delta state oil producing areas development commission (DESOPADEC), has formally declared his intention to contest for the Senate seat currently held by Joel Onowakpo Thomas, setting up what observers describe as a direct and formidable challenge to the incumbent’s return ambition.
Senator Onowakpo Thomas presently represents Delta South in the nation’s National Assembly, and is widely expected to seek another term.
However, Diden’s public declaration at his country home on Saturday, has altered the political atmosphere in the district, signaling that the path to Onowakpo’s winning the senatorial ticket may not be as smooth as previously anticipated.
Addressing party members and supporters during an empowerment program organized by Nicholas Efele, Executive Director of Planning, Research and Statistics at DESOPADEC, Diden declared unequivocally that he is in the race and expressed confidence in his chances.
Referencing the last election cycle, he noted that “Ejele won seven local government areas while the present senator, Joel Onowakpo Thomas, won only one,” before projecting a complete turnaround in the coming contest. “This time it will be 8/8,” he said, suggesting a determination to secure victory across all eight local government areas in the district.
Diden, who previously contested for the Senate but was unsuccessful, described his earlier defeat as a matter of timing.
According to him, the political moment has now shifted. He stated that he had remained silent but decided it was time to step forward, adding that he believes the current political climate favors his ambition.
He also pointed to recent reforms within the ruling party’s primary election process, praising measures that now allow all card-carrying members to participate in selecting candidates for political parties.
The change, associated with reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, replaces the previous delegate-based system with broader membership participation.
Political analysts believe that the new primary structure could significantly reshape the contest.
Under the expanded voting system, grassroots mobilization becomes critical, potentially reducing the traditional advantage enjoyed by incumbents who rely heavily on delegate networks.
In his remarks, Diden claimed there is widespread demand across Delta South for new representation, asserting that residents have compared his record with that of the current senator and are yearning for change.
He said he could not ignore what he described as a growing appeal for his candidacy and formally announced that he is entering the race.
”The people of Delta South have been able to compare the records of the present senator and Michael Diden, and as I speak to you, there’s yearning everywhere that we need Michael Diden at the Senate.
”He’s the only one that can represent us and represent us well. Therefore, I cannot allow that voice to die in the wilderness. I’ve come to make known to the people of Delta South by declaring to them that Michael Diden is in the race for Senate,” he declared.
Observers note that the contest could evolve into a high-stakes internal battle, particularly if both camps aggressively mobilize supporters ahead of party primaries.
With Diden’s entry into the race, what was once considered a routine re-election bid for the incumbent may now become a closely watched political showdown in Delta South.
