2027: I’m Confident of Victory, Says Delta South ADC Senate Candidate Orette

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for Delta South Senatorial District in the 2027 National Assembly election, Dr. Austin Orette, has expressed confidence in his ability to win the election, describing himself as the candidate best positioned to provide effective representation for the people of the district.

Orette, a Nigerian-American Family Medicine physician and politician, stated this during an interview with journalists in Lagos, where he spoke about his political journey, decision to join the ADC and his agenda for Delta South, Presstv News Nigeria can report.

The candidate said his decision to leave the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) was driven by principle rather than personal grievances, stressing the need for transparency, fairness and internal democracy within political parties.

According to him, his experience in the NDC did not reflect the political values he believed in, prompting consultations with supporters and stakeholders before moving to the ADC.

“I do not regret the experience because every experience teaches valuable lessons. Politics is a journey of learning and growth. While things did not turn out as expected, I have become wiser, stronger and more determined to serve the people,” he said.

Orette said he chose the ADC because of what he described as the party’s commitment to good governance, inclusion, accountability and providing credible Nigerians with opportunities to serve.

He said the party offered an environment where “ideas matter more than influence and where service comes before personal interest.”

Why Senate?

Explaining his decision to contest directly for the Senate rather than starting from a lower elective position, Orette said leadership should be measured by purpose and capacity rather than hierarchy.

He noted that his experience in business, community development and humanitarian engagements had prepared him for the responsibilities of a senator.

“Leadership is about purpose, not hierarchy. I have spent years building leadership capacity in business, community development and humanitarian engagements. I believe the Senate provides the platform where I can make the greatest impact for Delta South through legislation, oversight and effective representation,” he said.

Addressing questions about his previous unsuccessful political experience, Orette described it as a learning process rather than failure.

“Every setback is preparation for a greater comeback. I do not see my previous experience as failure. It strengthened my resolve, expanded my political network and taught me valuable lessons about the political process. Today, I am far better prepared than ever before,” he said.

Money Alone Cannot Determine Election

On concerns about the financial demands of Nigerian politics, particularly the perception that elections are increasingly driven by money, Orette said he did not subscribe to the belief that electoral victory should depend solely on financial resources.

He said his campaign would focus on ideas, credibility, grassroots mobilisation and public confidence.

“I reject the idea that money alone determines electoral success. Elections should be won by ideas, credibility, grassroots engagement and the confidence of the people,” he said.

Orette added that his campaign was being built around volunteers, supporters, friends and Nigerians who shared his vision, promising that it would remain transparent and issue-based.

He also rejected the argument that limited financial resources should prevent credible Nigerians from seeking elective office.

“Politics should not become an exclusive club for the wealthiest individuals. While every campaign requires resources, I believe integrity, strategic planning and public trust are equally powerful assets,” he said.

Fresh Ideas Should Not Be Mistaken for Inexperience

Responding to criticism that he is relatively inexperienced in politics and that some people consider his ambition unrealistic, Orette said political experience should not be measured solely by the number of elections contested.

“Every experienced politician was once a first-time candidate. Fresh ideas should never be mistaken for inexperience,” he said.

He pointed to his background in medicine, business, philanthropy, leadership and community development as evidence of his capacity to serve.

According to him, he is engaging directly with communities across Delta South to understand their concerns and develop practical solutions.

“Confidence is earned through sincerity, competence and consistency,” he said.

I Am Not Intimidated

Orette also said he was not intimidated by the incumbent senator or other aspirants seeking the Delta South seat.

While acknowledging the right of other candidates to contest, he said elections should ultimately be determined by voters.

“I have great respect for every contestant because democracy thrives on healthy competition. However, I am not intimidated. Elections belong to the people, not to incumbents. I believe Delta South deserves choices, and I am presenting myself as one of those choices,” he said.

Five-Point Agenda

Orette said his legislative agenda would focus on five major areas: education and skills development, youth employment and entrepreneurship, improved healthcare, infrastructure and rural development, as well as economic empowerment through agriculture, technology and support for small businesses.

He also promised to promote inclusive representation by ensuring that communities across Delta South have a voice in the National Assembly.

“I want to become a Senator because I believe public office is an opportunity to solve problems, not merely occupy a position,” he said.

According to him, Delta South requires representation capable of attracting development, empowering young people and women, improving education and healthcare, strengthening infrastructure and expanding economic opportunities.

Representation Goes Beyond Speeches

Orette said effective representation should not be limited to speeches or appearances at the National Assembly.

“Representation goes beyond making speeches in Abuja. It requires accessibility, competence, integrity and the courage to defend the interests of the people,” he said.

He expressed confidence that his professional experience, leadership background and commitment to community development would enable him to represent the district effectively.

On INEC, Judiciary

On the credibility of the 2027 electoral process, Orette said Nigerians must continue to support democratic institutions while demanding improvements where necessary.

He expressed confidence that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary would uphold their constitutional responsibilities.

“My expectation is that they will remain independent, transparent and committed to justice throughout the electoral process,” he said.

Appeal to Delta South Voters

Orette urged Nigerians, particularly voters in Delta South, not to lose faith in the country’s democratic process.

He called on voters to participate actively in elections and assess candidates based on competence, credibility and their capacity to deliver results.

“Real change begins when citizens participate actively, demand accountability and vote based on competence rather than sentiment,” he said.

He appealed to the people of Delta South to support his campaign, promising to pursue a political agenda centred on opportunity, dignity, security and sustainable development.

With the 2027 elections approaching, Orette said he remained confident of victory and described his candidacy as an opportunity for Delta South voters to choose a new direction in representation.

“I believe I am the best man for the job, and I am confident that the people of Delta South will give us their mandate,” he said.