The Media Team of the former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives and APC House of Representatives candidate for Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, has responded to recent claims by the Media Department of Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei concerning the 2027 Delta North Senatorial contest, describing Elumelu’s intervention as political counsel offered in good faith and not an attempt to undermine Ochei’s ambition.
In a statement issued on Friday, September 11, 2026, the Elumelu Media Team said its principal holds Ochei in high regard and has never questioned his constitutional right to contest any elective position.
According to the team, Elumelu’s intervention was driven by genuine concern for the political future of Delta North and the need for political actors to make strategic decisions that would advance the interests of their people.
It said Ochei’s interpretation of the intervention as an attempt to prevent him from contesting the 2027 election was misplaced, stressing that the message was primarily about the political realities and strategic considerations that often determine electoral outcomes.
The team noted that electoral victories are not secured merely by political history, personal ambition or previous positions held, but through effective organisation, credible alliances, grassroots acceptance and the ability of candidates to connect with the aspirations of the electorate.
It added that Elumelu’s experience in the House of Representatives, including his tenure as Minority Leader, had given him considerable insight into legislative representation, political organisation and constituency engagement.
The Media Team, however, took particular exception to the claim by Ochei’s Media Department that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not send any message to the event where Elumelu appealed to Ochei to return to the APC.
Describing the claim as “not only untrue, but ridiculous,” the team explained that Elumelu did not attend the programme as a private individual or an ordinary political supporter.
Rather, it stated that he was officially representing President Tinubu, the national leader and presidential candidate of the APC, alongside Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, the party’s governorship candidate, and Delta North Senatorial candidate, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.
The team therefore maintained that Elumelu’s appeal to Ochei to return to the APC was made in his official capacity as a representative and leader of the party, and should be understood within the context of the position and broader political interests of the APC leadership.
It consequently rejected the portrayal of the appeal as a personal initiative by Elumelu, insisting that the message was delivered within an official political context.
On Ochei’s reference to Elumelu’s defeat in the 2023 election, the Media Team described the argument as simplistic and misplaced.
It noted that electoral contests naturally produce winners and losers, stressing that a single electoral outcome cannot permanently determine a politician’s relevance, capacity or future.
The team said Elumelu respects the decision of the electorate and has continued to engage with his constituents with humility and determination, adding that his attention remains focused on the future rather than dwelling on the outcome of the 2023 election.
It also defended Elumelu’s movement from the PDP to the APC, dismissing attempts to portray political realignment as illegitimate.
According to the team, political movements and realignments are normal features of democratic politics, as politicians and political parties respond to changing circumstances and evolving political realities.
“What matters ultimately is whether such decisions are made in the interest of the people and whether the electorate accepts them,” the team stated.
On the issue of zoning in Delta North, the Elumelu Media Team acknowledged the arguments being advanced on the basis of equity and fairness, but cautioned against presenting zoning as a substitute for the democratic choice of the electorate.
It maintained that while equity, fairness and inclusion are important considerations in political arrangements, elected offices ultimately derive their legitimacy from the people.
“No senatorial seat belongs permanently to any individual, family, community or political tendency,” the team declared, insisting that the people of Delta North would ultimately determine who earns their mandate in 2027.
The Media Team also rejected what it described as the narrative of political ownership of the APC or any other political platform.
It stressed that political parties belong to their members and are sustained by the collective efforts of their supporters, adding that political structures evolve, alliances change and new political realities emerge.
The team said Elumelu had never claimed ownership of any political platform, but remained committed to using political platforms to advance the interests of his constituents and contribute to the wider development of society.
Responding to the broader criticisms contained in Ochei’s statement, the Media Team said Elumelu would not be distracted by personal exchanges or media battles.
It said the former Minority Leader remained focused on his people, his record of public service and his determination to contribute meaningfully to the political development of Delta State and Nigeria.
The team urged that the 2027 political contest be anchored on issues, records, ideas and the capacity of aspirants to deliver, rather than personal attacks or what it described as revisionist narratives.
It maintained that Elumelu respects Ochei’s political ambition and wishes him well in his political journey, but insisted that the ultimate decision rests with the electorate.
“The 2027 election will ultimately be decided by the people,” the statement said.
The Media Team consequently challenged all aspirants to present their records and visions to the electorate and allow the people to make the final choice.
“Let every aspirant present his record. Let every candidate present his vision. And let the people decide,” it concluded.
