As political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, the contest for the Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency seat in Delta State is attracting renewed attention, with different political actors positioning themselves ahead of the election.
Tessy Ngozi Okeze, candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) for the constituency, speaks on her political background, her decision to contest, her approach to the race and the issues she believes should shape the 2027 election.
In this interview with Publishers, Okeze discusses youth unemployment, infrastructure, economic empowerment, transparency and grassroots representation. She also responds to the experience of former representative Ndudi Elumelu and explains why she believes voters should focus on accessible and accountable representation.
Guide Express : Can we know you, and how do you intend to face your opponents, especially Ndudi Elumelu, who has considerable experience representing Aniocha/Oshimili?
Tessy Okeze: Thank you for the question. My name is Tessy Okeze, an indigene of Igbuzo in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State and the House of Representatives candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) for Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency.
I am a grassroots politician, community development advocate and a firm believer in people-oriented leadership.
Over the years, I have worked closely with communities across Aniocha and Oshimili, listening to the concerns of our people and contributing to initiatives aimed at improving their lives.
My decision to contest for the House of Representatives is driven by my desire to bring fresh ideas, renewed energy and purposeful representation to the constituency.
I have immense respect for Ndudi Elumelu, and I acknowledge the experience he acquired during his years in the National Assembly. However, democracy thrives on choice, competition and inclusiveness.
Representation should not be determined by experience or financial capacity alone. It should also be about understanding the present realities of the people, being accessible and developing practical solutions to their challenges.
It is also important to note that communities in Aniocha have produced the federal representative for several consecutive years. Many stakeholders therefore believe that Oshimili should also have the opportunity to produce the next representative, in the spirit of fairness, equity and political balance.
My campaign is not about attacking anybody. It is about presenting an alternative vision centred on youth empowerment, women development, infrastructure, economic opportunities and effective representation.
From my perspective, the 2027 election will test whether financial influence or the collective will of the people will determine the outcome.
The 2023 election also demonstrated that an incumbent with significant political experience can be defeated at the polls. Labour Party candidate Ngozi Okolie defeated Ndudi Elumelu in that election, providing another example of the competitive nature of electoral politics in the constituency.
I am not a money bag. What I have is the support of people across Aniocha/Oshimili who believe in what I represent. Many of my supporters are also APC members and sympathisers who have continued to provide me with moral, political and financial support.
So, I am not intimidated by anybody. I am prepared to face the election on the basis of issues, grassroots engagement and the confidence of the people.
My objective is to win the 2027 election through the strength of the people and a credible political structure.
Guide Express: What are the three biggest challenges facing Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency today, and what practical steps will you take within your first two years in office to address them?
Tessy Okeze: The three major challenges facing Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, in my view, are youth unemployment, inadequate infrastructure and limited economic opportunities.
The first is unemployment among our young people. Within my first two years in office, I will work to attract federal empowerment programmes, establish skills-acquisition initiatives, promote vocational training partnerships and facilitate access to grants and business-support programmes for young entrepreneurs.
Secondly, infrastructure remains a major concern across several communities. I will engage relevant federal ministries, departments and agencies, as well as development partners, to attract road projects, improve educational facilities, strengthen healthcare infrastructure and support rural electrification initiatives.
Constituency projects under my representation will be driven by the actual needs of the people rather than political convenience.
Thirdly, we must expand economic opportunities for our people. I will advocate for agricultural support programmes, rural development initiatives, investment opportunities and improved market access for farmers, traders, artisans and small-business owners.
Our people should not only see their representative during elections. They should feel the impact of representation in their daily lives.
Guide Express: How will you ensure regular engagement, transparency and accountability to your constituents if elected?
Tessy Okeze: Accountability begins with accessibility.
If elected, I will establish a fully functional constituency office where residents can regularly meet with their representative, present their concerns, offer suggestions and receive updates on ongoing programmes and projects.
I will also organise periodic town-hall meetings across the constituency. These meetings will provide opportunities to brief constituents on legislative activities, constituency projects and engagements with federal ministries, departments and agencies.
In addition, I intend to publish regular reports detailing bills sponsored, motions moved or supported, constituency projects facilitated and other activities undertaken on behalf of the people.
Traditional and digital media will also be used to keep constituents informed about my activities and stewardship.
My commitment is simple: leadership that listens, representation that delivers and accountability that earns the trust of the people.
Finally, I want to use this opportunity to appreciate our party executives for their support and commitment. I also particularly appreciate our governorship candidate, Engr. Isaac Eshor, who has been of tremendous assistance to me and to our party in Delta State.
His support and commitment to the political process are deeply appreciated. We remain committed to working together with our party structures and supporters as we approach the 2027 general election.
