AGBARHA-OTOR, Delta State — The former House of Representatives aspirant for the Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency in the party’s last primary election, Comrade Johnny Obakpororo, popularly known as “Obas,” has declared that his political loyalty is to the people rather than to any political party.
Obakpororo made the declaration during a “Thank You Visit” to the traditional ruler of the ancient Agbarha-Otor Kingdom and his supporters in the community, where he expressed appreciation for their support during the recently concluded NDC primary election.
Speaking with journalists at the palace of the Agbarha-Otor monarch, Obakpororo described himself as a “people’s politician,” saying his approach to politics differs from that of conventional politicians.
“I am a people’s politician, not like the normal politicians we see around us. My allegiance is to the people who make up the political party, not the party itself,” he said.
Reflecting on the outcome of the NDC primary, Obakpororo said the exercise was now in the past and that his focus had shifted to mobilising and sensitising the people on the need to elect credible leaders.
He said the three local government areas that make up the federal constituency had remained largely underrepresented in the politics of Delta State and Nigeria at large.
“Looking at the three local government areas that make up Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency, it seems they are not existing in the politics of the state and even at the national level.
“The voices of the three local government areas are not heard because nobody speaks for them. We must put a stop to it. Enough is enough,” he said.
Obakpororo further criticised what he described as the tendency of politicians to prioritise loyalty to their political parties over the interests of the people.
“You see, we have a problem in this country: the problem of being loyal to the party instead of being loyal to the people. I am loyal to the people, not loyal to the party. That is why I put myself forward to represent them.”
“It’s not a party thing; it’s about the people,” he added.
The former House of Representatives aspirant also disclosed that following the party’s primary election, his leaders at both the local government and state levels prevailed upon him to step aside.
According to him, he accepted their counsel out of respect for the party’s leaders, elders and stakeholders.
Speaking at the Agbarha-Otor Town Hall, Obakpororo commended his supporters for their resilience and unwavering support, assuring them that better days lay ahead.
Reacting to the visit, Oghene Ochuko, one of his supporters, described Obakpororo’s return to the community to express appreciation as unexpected and commendable.
He said many politicians often fail to return to their supporters after elections, but Obakpororo had demonstrated humility by coming back to thank them.
“The visit came as a surprise to us because we did not expect him to come back to say thank you. Many people, even when they have won elections, will not come back to appreciate us.»
“But he came back to appreciate us. He is a good and kind man. He even donated some money to us, which we did not expect. He also gave us gifts, including food, drinks and water, and it got to everyone.»
“We are very grateful to him, and we pray that God will grant him the grace to rule us,” Ochuko said.
Also speaking, the immediate past President-General of Samagidi-Agbarha-Otir Community, Comrade Emmanuel Odoko, described Obakpororo as the “People’s General,” saying he had used his position and influence to bring relief to the lives of many people within the council area and beyond.
Odoko commended his contributions to the community and expressed confidence in his continued commitment to the welfare of the people.
