2027: 𝗜'𝗺 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗢𝗳 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗜𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝘁𝗮 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵---𝗔𝗗𝗖 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲, 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻 𝗢𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲

By NigerDelta Voice,

𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝘁𝗮, 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮.

Dr Austin Orette, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for the Delta South Senatorial District in the 2027 National Assembly election, has expressed confidence in his ability to defeat other contenders and emerge victorious at the polls.

Orette, a Nigerian-American Family Medicine Physician and politician, made the declaration while speaking with journalists in Lagos, where he discussed his political journey, decision to join the ADC and his agenda for the people of Delta South.

According to him, his decision to leave the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) was based on principle and his desire to belong to a political platform where transparency, fairness and internal democracy are respected.

He said his experience in the NDC was valuable despite the outcome, adding that it had strengthened his resolve and prepared him for the 2027 contest.

“I do not regret the experience because every experience teaches valuable lessons. Politics is a journey of learning and growth,” Orette said.

The senatorial hopeful said he subsequently joined the ADC because the party provides an avenue for competent Nigerians to participate in governance without undue emphasis on influence or personal interests.

He described the ADC as a platform committed to good governance, inclusion and accountability.

Orette also dismissed concerns that he is inexperienced in politics, arguing that every established politician was once a first-time candidate.

He said his experience in business, philanthropy, leadership and community development had equipped him with the capacity required to represent Delta South at the National Assembly.

“Fresh ideas should never be mistaken for inexperience,” he said, stressing that public confidence would be earned through sincerity, competence and consistency.

On why he is seeking the Senate rather than starting from a lower elective position, Orette said leadership should be determined by purpose and capacity rather than hierarchy.

He explained that the Senate would provide him with the appropriate platform to influence legislation, provide effective oversight and attract development to Delta South.

The ADC candidate also rejected the perception that Nigerian elections are determined primarily by financial strength.

According to him, elections should be won through ideas, credibility, grassroots mobilisation and the confidence of voters.

He said his campaign would be transparent and issue-based, relying on volunteers, supporters and well-meaning Nigerians who believe in his vision.

Orette further said he was not intimidated by the incumbent senator or other candidates seeking the Delta South seat.

While acknowledging the right of all candidates to participate in the democratic process, he maintained that electoral victory ultimately belongs to the electorate.

“Elections belong to the people, not to incumbents. I believe Delta South deserves choices, and I am presenting myself as one of those choices,” he said.

Explaining his motivation for seeking the senatorial seat, Orette said public office should be used to solve problems rather than merely occupy a position.

He identified education and skills development, youth employment and entrepreneurship, healthcare, infrastructure and rural development, and economic empowerment as the major pillars of his proposed agenda.

He said he would focus on agriculture, technology and support for small businesses while ensuring that communities across Delta South have a voice in the National Assembly.

On representation, Orette said effective representation goes beyond speeches in Abuja, stressing that accessibility, competence, integrity and the courage to defend constituents' interests were essential qualities of a good legislator.

He also expressed confidence in the ability of democratic institutions to conduct and adjudicate the 2027 elections fairly.

While acknowledging the responsibilities of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary, he urged both institutions to remain independent, transparent and committed to justice throughout the electoral process.

Orette appealed to Nigerians not to lose hope in the country, saying Nigeria possesses enormous potential that can be harnessed through responsible leadership and active citizen participation.

He urged voters to demand accountability and make electoral choices based on competence rather than sentiment.

Addressing the people of Delta South, Orette said his campaign was centred on their welfare and future, appealing for their prayers, support and votes in the 2027 election.

He added that his ultimate objective was to contribute to building a Delta South characterised by opportunity, dignity, security and sustainable development.