As political permutations gradually gather storms in Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency , one fact is certain and that is that beyond the whispers of shifting loyalties and emerging ambitions, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu remains the quiet but commanding force shaping the contest across Aniocha North, Aniocha South, Oshimili North and Oshimili South areas of Delta State.
The race is unfolding at a time when party platforms appear increasingly fluid. Ngozi Okolie, the Incumbent Representative of the constituency in the House of Representatives emerged in 2023 on the crest of the wave of the Labour Party that swept across the country like a tsunami
It was a victory powered more by national mood than by deeply entrenched local structures. His subsequent journey from PDP to LP and now to APC, has altered his political address but not necessarily expanded his grassroots footprint.
In a constituency where voters value continuity and long-term engagement, frequent realignments tend to raise more questions than confidence.
Other aspirants bring variety but not yet with decisive weight. Isioma Ndah is still building the depth and spread required to compete effectively in a constituency defined by strong local networks.
Kelvin Ezenyili, the Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government, commands visibility within his council area, but federal constituencies are won on breadth, not proximity.
Without firm structures in Aniocha North, Aniocha South and Oshimili North, translating local influence into constituency-wide dominance remains a daunting task.
It is against this backdrop that Elumelu’s advantage becomes more pronounced. His relevance is not anchored in election cycles, but in years of sustained presence and investment.
He understands that representation is not episodic; it is cumulative. Through human capital development, targeted empowerment programmes and visible infrastructural interventions, Elumelu has woven himself into the political and social fabric of the communities across his constituency.
These are not abstract rhetorical statements, but tangible footprints that have endured beyond campaign seasons. Perhaps more telling is his political instincts.
Elumelu’s political knack lies in knowing the terrain, reading the mood and building alliances patiently. He respects ward structures, cultivates party loyalty and engages community leaders long before the contest begins.
In a political climate often driven by spectacles, his method remains deliberately understated; yet, effective.The dynamics grow even sharper now that all the principal gladiators are assembling within the ruling APC.
While the party’s dominance reshapes the battlefield, it does not flatten it. APC primaries are rarely sentimental; they reward organisation, reach and tested machinery. In such an arena, aspirants with narrow bases or recent conversions face a steeper climb than those with constituency-wide networks and institutional turf.
As Aniocha/Oshimili appears closer to its defining moment, the contest is steadily shedding illusion and sentiment. What remains is a clear measure of depth, spread and consistency.
Elumelu is not merely participating in the race against all the other possible contestants; he is setting the pace. In the constituency, political gravity still counts. And for now, the pendulum appears to be swinging seamlessly in one direction towards Elumelu.
Comrade Biose Osita, a renowned and accomplished Journalist writes from Asaba.
