Izeze Rejects ‘Consensus Candidate’ Narrative Ahead Of Ughelli South 2027 Race
Izeze Challenges Consensus Claims in APC Race
DELTA State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Reuben Izeze, has dismissed claims that a consensus candidate has emerged within the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Ughelli South State Constituency ahead of the 2027 Delta State House of Assembly elections.
In a strongly worded statement, the former lawmaker described the claims as misleading, warning party members against what he termed an “Oga say” narrative being used to pressure stakeholders into accepting a predetermined outcome.
Revisiting Past Political Battles
Izeze, who represented Ughelli South in the Delta State House of Assembly from 2015 to 2023, drew parallels with his own political journey under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He recalled that his emergence as PDP candidate in 2014 followed a widely accepted consensus arrangement in Otughievwen, where six out of seven aspirants voluntarily stepped down. However, one contender, Festus Eseoghene Utuama, rejected the process and challenged the outcome in court.
The dispute, according to Izeze, led to a protracted legal battle that lasted three years and was eventually resolved in his favour by the Supreme Court in April 2018.
Contradictions in Current Political Claims
The commissioner expressed concern that the same political actor who once opposed consensus arrangements is now reportedly being presented as a consensus candidate within the APC.
“I find it contradictory and deceptive,” Izeze stated, arguing that such moves undermine the credibility of internal party democracy.
He further dismissed suggestions that any party authority had endorsed a consensus arrangement, insisting that no formal directive exists to that effect.
Call for Internal Democracy
While clarifying that he has no intention of contesting in the 2027 election, Izeze urged party members to resist manipulation and uphold democratic principles.
He emphasized that all aspirants should be allowed to test their popularity through transparent and lawful processes, rather than being sidelined by informal agreements.
The development highlights growing internal tensions within the APC in Delta State, as early political alignments begin to shape the contest for 2027. Analysts note that disputes over candidate selection, if unresolved, could deepen factional divides and affect the party’s electoral prospects in the constituency.
