As a political analyst, the treatment of Hon. Ngozi Okolie in the recent All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries for the Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency has generated significant discontent among his loyalists and neutral observers alike.

This case highlights the tensions that often arise during mass defections and power realignments within Nigerian parties.

His own particular treatment isn’t just politics as usual — it is a classic case of betrayal, orchestration, and ingratitude that leaves a bitter taste in the mouth of every true democrat and party faithful.

Hon. Okolie earned his mandate the hard way. In 2023, as a Labour Party candidate, he defeated a political heavyweight, Ndudi Elumelu, who was then the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives. He won fair and square through the power of the people, particularly riding on the wave of genuine desire for change.

Rather than sit on the fence, when the political realignment happened in Delta State, Okolie made a strategic and courageous decision to join the APC. He did so openly, consulting widely, including with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, believing that uniting progressive forces would better serve the people of Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency.

What did he get in return? Humiliation and a rigged process.

In the recent APC primaries, Okolie — the sitting member representing the constituency — was pulled down in the most orchestrated manner. Ndudi Elumelu, who also defected to APC, was handed the ticket through what many of us see as a predetermined outcome heavily influenced by the state governor’s machinery.

Reports from the field spoke of “the more you look, the less you see” tactics: massive irregularities, unusual delegate mobilisation, and results that defied the organic support Okolie still enjoys on the ground as the incumbent.

In some wards, especially in Asaba, the figures were embarrassingly lopsided, with Okolie reportedly scoring little or nothing despite his incumbency advantage.

This was not a fair contest between two aspirants. It was an establishment move to favour a preferred outsider over a man who had already won the seat once and brought his structure, visibility, and performance to the APC.

The same forces that welcomed defectors with open arms turned around and sidelined one of them in the most roguish way possible.

Aggrieved aspirants and genuine party members who were rigged out in other parts of Delta State share the same story — outsiders and independent voices were systematically excluded while anointed candidates coasted through.

Now we hear Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu frowning at party members who might work against the candidate in the general election. Of course he is afraid! The guilt is heavy. When you treat a man who sacrificed his hard-earned mandate on the altar of party unity with such disrespect, you must fear the consequences.

Hon. Okolie has remained calm and dignified — a true leader who has not thrown tantrums or rushed to the media with bitterness. But his supporters, many of whom are equally aggrieved, are watching.

They remember who stood with them in 2023. They know the difference between genuine service and opportunistic power play.

The people of Aniocha/Oshimili deserve better than this “winner-takes-all, godfather-arranged” style of politics. Hon. Ngozi Okolie has demonstrated capacity, accessibility, and commitment to the constituency.

He defected in good faith to strengthen APC, only to be used and discarded when it suited the powers that be. This is not how to build a formidable party in Delta State.

We call on the APC national leadership to look into these primaries with fairness. To Hon. Okolie: Sir, your supporters stand with you. Your silence is golden, but your record speaks volumes.

The ordinary people you have served will not forget how you were treated. Justice and the will of the people cannot be suppressed forever.

#StandWithOkolie #FairnessInDeltaAPC

Pamela O. writes from Asaba.