By Mick Oseji, Asaba
As politicians begin positioning for the 2027 elections, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Delta South Senatorial District, Dr. Austin Orette, has urged Deltans not to reward elected public officials who failed to perform during their first term with another opportunity in office.
Orette, in a statement issued on Friday in Owhelogbo, Isoko North Local Government Area, said rewarding poor performance with re-election hinders growth and encourages mediocrity.
“I have contributed positively to the development of Nigeria,” he stated.
He said it was parochial and shortsighted for anyone to believe that a highly talented and knowledgeable group of Nigerians should be excluded from contributing to the country’s development.
“Those who believe that they have been slaving away because Dr. Austin Orette has been overseas have no special knowledge or advantage. If they did, where is the result of the slaving? At times like this, all hands must be on deck to drag Nigeria from the precipice. China did it and succeeded. India is doing it and succeeding,” he said.
The NDC candidate described Nigerians in the diaspora as patriotic citizens who have contributed immensely to the country’s development.
“The remittances from the diaspora are what are keeping Nigeria’s economy afloat,” he added.
Orette further alleged that uninformed people had captured political power in Nigeria for plunder and brigandage.
“Dr. Orette believes in Nigeria and has love for his people. His mission is one of service to his people. He has no apologies in this regard. He spent his resources developing and growing the APC in his zone. Those who fought him yesterday while he was doing these things have changed uniforms and taken over the APC. He did not leave the APC; it was the APC that left him.
“He believes he has as much right as anyone at this time to be the next Senator for Delta South. His sincere belief is: If not him, who? And if not now, when?” the statement said.
Speaking on criticisms about his diaspora background, Orette said those unwilling to support him because he lived abroad were unfamiliar with his contributions and achievements.
“As we move forward to litigate the issues, Dr. Orette will have the opportunity to reintroduce himself to his people. If, after listening to him, they still cannot go beyond prejudice, they can make their choice and continue on the disastrous journey with people of limited capacity,” he said.
The senatorial hopeful urged voters to prioritise performance and accountability over partisan loyalty or sentiment.
“The only claim to fame of some leaders is that they had the opportunity to enrich themselves while citizens continue to suffer,” he added.
He emphasised the need for visible development projects, effective representation, and positive legislative contributions from elected officials.
