_Written by Comrade. Amb Emmanuel Kpoharor_
To secure victory in Ughelli North, South and Udu Federal Constituency, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) needs a tested, grassroots-oriented candidate who has demonstrated real capacity for mobilization, loyalty, and community impact.
As the PDP prepares for the forthcoming House of Representatives election, stakeholders across the three local government areas are calling on the party to field Hon. Dr. Olotu Akpodiete JP as its candidate.
Dr. Akpodiete is widely credited with reviving the PDP in the constituency at a time when mass defections had left the party’s structure severely weakened. He reactivated dormant ward executives, bankrolled logistics for meetings, financed mobilization drives, and spearheaded reconciliation efforts that brought back aggrieved members while attracting new ones across Ughelli North, South and Udu. According to party chieftains, his swift intervention restored stability and re-established the PDP as the dominant political force in the area.
His influence goes beyond party administration. Dr. Akpodiete initiated and personally sponsored the U3 Youth, Women, and Executive Empowerment programme. The initiative has provided startup grants, vocational training, and business support to hundreds of beneficiaries in the constituency. It has been commended for reducing unemployment and boosting household incomes across the three LGAs.
To strengthen political engagement, he also floated two strategic pressure groups: the U3 Media Ambassadors and the U3 Legislators Forum. The Media Ambassadors have expanded the PDP’s message and improved voter education at the grassroots. The Legislators Forum brings together past and present PDP-aligned legislators in U3 to mentor emerging politicians, harmonize party positions, and drive community consultations. Together, the two groups have created a permanent, community-rooted campaign structure for the party.
Dr. Akpodiete’s humanitarian record through the Olotu and Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation also sets him apart. Since its establishment, the Foundation has focused on sustainable development, education, healthcare, security support, charity, social welfare, and empowerment.
Key activities of the Foundation since 2018 include:
– Annual Empowerment Programs: The Foundation conducts yearly outreach for vulnerable groups. On April 9, 2026, it held a widow empowerment program at Iwhreko Community Town Hall, Ughelli, where over 100 widows from Ughelli North, South and Udu received cash, gifts, and wrappers during the 31st remembrance of Late Chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete. Dr. Akpodiete has pledged to sustain the program annually and extend it to other segments of society.
– Education Support: The Foundation awards scholarships and provides learning materials and school support to indigent students across the constituency to improve access to quality education.
– Healthcare Interventions: It runs medical outreaches and supports community health initiatives for underserved populations in the three LGAs. The Foundation has registered over 500 Deltans for health insurance across Delta State.
– Youth and Sports Development: The Foundation hosts an annual novelty football match in honor of Late Chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete at Clifford Cassidy Play Ground, General Field, to discover and nurture young football talents. The 2026 second edition ended 1-1 between children and grandchildren of the late chief, with cash gifts presented to team captains. The Foundation has also trained over 700 youths in vocational and digital skills.
– Community Development and Security: The Foundation supports community projects such as water boreholes across Delta and backs security initiatives including conflict resolution capacity building and donation of security gadgets to various communities to improve safety and social cohesion.
– Recognition of Service: Through Life Achievement Awards, the Foundation celebrates individuals for outstanding service to humanity. In 2026, recipients included Olorogun Miller Uloho and Chief Morrison Obaseki Olori.
Party faithfuls maintain that Dr. Akpodiete combines loyalty, proven mobilization strength, and a verifiable humanitarian record. His work in rebuilding the PDP, empowering constituents, building enduring political structures, and sustaining philanthropy through his Foundation makes him the most electable and prepared aspirant to represent Ughelli North, South and Udu in the House of Representatives come 2027.
