Recent political gatherings in Ika land offer discerning minds, insights into the true structure and grassroots strength of the major political parties in Delta State. While both events may appear similar on the surface vis-a-viz being political rallies, they basically represent two different realities.
PICTURE 1: The first picture is the Owa-Alero gathering.
This rally held at Owa-Alero, the hometown of former Governor Dr Ifeanyi Okowa. It involved only his immediate political family; his ward and local government area. There was no deliberate statewide mobilisation or plethora influx of supporters from outside Ika North East. It was simply a leader’s home coming, and yet, the crowd that turned out was organic, massive, and emotionally charged. These were not hired bussed spectators. They were genuine constituents standing with a man they believe in and have benefited from.
Though localized, the rally sent a powerful message; the strength of Dr Okowa and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta North is not dependent on fanfare or grandstanding. It lies in established grassroots connection, long-standing trust, and a track record of service delivering for the people. The people who turned out in large numbers were neither deceptively compelled nor renumerationally induced to do so, but simply because they wanted to reaffirm their loyalty and support for EKWUEME. That is the reward for real influence!
PICTURE 2 Depicts the APC rally in Agbor.
In the opposite, the rally held by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Agbor was a full-scale mobilization effort. Every single leader in Delta APC was involved, bringing in their followers,.supporters and rented individuals from the 25LGAs in the state and even from neighboring Edo State. This was a concerted attempt to show strength and force.
Yet, when placed side by side with the crowd from the ward, home-based PDP gathering in Owa-Alero, the difference was stark. Despite the resources and effort put into crowd mobilisation, the APC rally turnout could barely rival a local meeting of Dr Okowa’s immediate ward. This contrast speaks volumes, not about the logistics of party events, but about the organic strength of political followership and relevance.
Aside the media theatrics, the political battle in Delta North is that of Influence.
The senatorial politics has never been and will not be about noise. It has always been an elite-driven, issue-based, and sensitivity to loyalty. A handful of decampees seeking appointments or contracts through the APC may make headlines, but they do not represent the heart of the electorate. As someone figuratively puts it, “they are largely political opportunists” individuals who have shifted allegiances, not based on ideology, but on short-term personal gains.
Come 2027, the elections will not be decided by rented crowds or mudslinging. They will be won on the ground; the units, wards, and among the people. And that is where the PDP retain overwhelming strength.
Upon this, it is imperative to recognise that the PDP and its candidates for 2027 elections will not contest for personal validation. The validation they have over a period of time and will be campaigning upon leadership legacies.
This is the mark of a true political heavyweight. EkWUEME’s influence is so deeply entrenched that his soothing words alone will set campaign machinery in motion.
