By Dr. Jude Chukwudi Dike, Ph.D.
Introduction
The politics of Delta State since the return to democratic governance in 1999 has largely been guided by the principles of equity, inclusion, ethnic balancing, and political stability. Though not always codified in constitutional language, the unwritten convention of zoning and power rotation has remained the stabilizing framework upon which the state’s political architecture rests. The governorship has rotated among the three senatorial districts, while strategic appointments and political offices have often reflected a conscious effort to maintain inter-ethnic harmony and political inclusiveness.
In the build-up to the 2023 elections, both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) demonstrated practical recognition of this political culture through their ticket-balancing and zoning considerations. The APC notably presented an Ndokwa son, Hon. Friday Osanebi, as deputy governorship candidate in 2023, while the PDP presented another Ndokwa son, Sir. Monday Onyeme, as deputy governorship candidate as well, thereby affirming the growing statewide consensus that Ndokwa/Ukwuani deserves inclusion at the highest echelon of Delta politics.
As political calculations for the 2027 governorship election gather momentum, it has become increasingly imperative for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) to align itself with this established political consensus by zoning the office of Deputy Governor to the Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency. Such a decision would not only reflect justice and fairness, but would also strategically position the party as a credible alternative and vehicle for equity, inclusion, and sustainable political stability in Delta State.
Ndokwa Nation: A Strategic Pillar of Delta State
The Ndokwa nation occupies a uniquely strategic position in Delta State politically, economically, and demographically. Widely recognized as the second-largest ethnic nationality in Delta State, the Ndokwa people have consistently contributed immensely to the economic survival and political stability of both Delta State and Nigeria at large.
The Ndokwa/Ukwuani axis hosts one of the largest natural gas reserves in Sub-Saharan Africa, making it one of the most resource-endowed regions in Nigeria. The area is central to Nigeria’s gas economy and energy infrastructure, yet remains painfully underdeveloped despite decades of exploitation and resource extraction.
The region is also home to the Okpai Independent Power Plant (IPP), one of Nigeria’s most strategic electricity-generating facilities. The Okpai plant contributes electricity to approximately fourteen states across the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Ironically, many Ndokwa communities that sustain this national energy infrastructure continue to suffer chronic power shortages, infrastructural neglect, poor roads, unemployment, ecological degradation, and widespread underdevelopment.
This contradiction reflects one of the deepest injustices in Nigeria’s federal and subnational political economy: a people who power the nation remain trapped in darkness themselves.
The marginalization of the Ndokwa nation is therefore not merely political; it is developmental, infrastructural, and existential.
Political Contributions and Electoral Significance of the Ndokwa Nation
Since 1999, the Ndokwa nation has remained one of the most dependable political blocs in Delta State. Across successive electoral cycles, the region has consistently delivered massive electoral support to winning political parties and candidates.
Indeed, political observers across party lines recognize Ndokwa/Ukwuani as one of the decisive swing voting blocs in Delta politics. The voting strength of the area has repeatedly played a determining role in gubernatorial, senatorial, and presidential outcomes within the state.
Both the PDP and APC have historically relied on Ndokwa votes during elections, benefiting immensely from the loyalty, mobilization capacity, and political sophistication of the people. Yet, despite these consistent contributions, the Ndokwa nation has remained grossly underrepresented in the highest decision-making structures of Delta State.
This imbalance has created growing feelings of alienation and political exclusion among the people. The continued denial of meaningful inclusion risks undermining long-term political cohesion and weakening confidence in the sincerity of the state’s power-sharing arrangements.
For the NDC, zoning the Deputy Governorship to Ndokwa/Ukwuani presents an opportunity to correct this historical imbalance while consolidating broad-based political goodwill across Delta North and the wider state.
The Principle of Equity and Political Justice
No democratic society can sustain peace and political legitimacy where strategic groups continuously feel excluded from power and development. The essence of zoning is not merely political arithmetic; it is the institutionalization of inclusion, fairness, and shared ownership of governance.
Delta State itself has benefited immensely from informal zoning arrangements that have helped maintain relative political stability since 1999.
If governorship rotation among senatorial districts is considered necessary for balance and justice, then equitable distribution of deputy governorship positions and other strategic offices must equally reflect demographic realities, economic contributions, and historical sacrifices.
The Ndokwa nation has fulfilled every obligation of democratic partnership:
- It has remained politically loyal.
- It has contributed significantly to state revenues.
- It has sustained national energy infrastructure.
- It has consistently delivered electoral victories.
- It has maintained peace despite prolonged neglect.
Justice therefore demands reciprocity.
The zoning of the Deputy Governorship to Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency would represent: - A recognition of Ndokwa’s strategic importance;
- A moral response to decades of marginalization;
- A political investment in long-term stability;
- A bridge toward deeper state unity and inclusion.
Strategic Political Advantages for the NDC
For the NDC, adopting this zoning arrangement would carry enormous political advantages ahead of future elections.
- Consolidation of Delta North Support
Ndokwa/Ukwuani remains one of the most politically active and electorally valuable blocs within Delta North. Offering the Deputy Governorship to the constituency would galvanize grassroots mobilization and strengthen the party’s acceptance across the senatorial district. - Moral Positioning as a Party of Equity
By recognizing Ndokwa aspirations, the NDC would distinguish itself as a party genuinely committed to fairness, inclusion, and justice rather than transactional politics. - Alignment with Existing Political Consensus
Both the PDP and APC have already acknowledged the legitimacy of Ndokwa’s claims through their political calculations in recent elections.
The NDC would therefore not be creating a new political idea, but rather aligning itself with an emerging bipartisan consensus already taking shape within Delta politics. - Electoral Expansion and Coalition Building
The decision would strengthen the NDC’s ability to build strategic alliances across ethnic and regional lines while deepening trust among historically marginalized communities.
Beyond Symbolism: The Need for Inclusive Governance
While political representation alone cannot solve all developmental challenges facing the Ndokwa nation, it remains a critical starting point toward inclusive governance and fairer resource allocation.
Political power influences:
- infrastructure prioritization,
- economic planning,
- policy direction,
- budgetary attention,
- and developmental advocacy.
Without representation at the highest levels of governance, marginalized communities often remain invisible within state policy frameworks.
The inclusion of Ndokwa/Ukwuani at the deputy governorship level would therefore not merely be symbolic; it would create institutional access capable of amplifying the developmental needs of the region.
Conclusion
The demand for the zoning of the Deputy Governorship of Delta State to Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency is not rooted in entitlement politics but in the enduring principles of justice, equity, strategic inclusion, and democratic fairness.
The Ndokwa nation has contributed enormously to the political success, economic survival, and energy sustainability of Delta State and Nigeria. Yet, despite being a major economic nerve center and one of the state’s most politically reliable constituencies, the region continues to suffer profound neglect and underrepresentation.
The time has therefore come for deliberate political correction.
For the NDC, zoning the Deputy Governorship to Ndokwa/Ukwuani would represent a bold statesmanlike decision capable of:
- strengthening party legitimacy,
- consolidating electoral support,
- advancing political stability,
- and deepening democratic inclusion across Delta State.
History ultimately remembers political institutions not merely for winning elections, but for demonstrating courage, fairness, and vision in moments that demand justice.
This is one of such moments.
(Dr. Jude Dike is a non-NDC member and Veteran Ndokwa Political Stakeholder and Strategist)
