Fuel At N1,405: NDC House Aspirant Awatorhe Questions Cost Of 2027 Street-To-Street Campaigns
House of Representatives aspirant for the Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie Federal Constituency of Delta State, Hon. Ovie O. Awatorhe, has questioned how politicians intending to embark on street-to-street consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections expect ordinary constituents to cope with the rising cost of living and transportation.
Awatorhe, who is seeking the House of Representatives seat on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), raised the concern while drawing attention to the reported sale of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, at about N1,405 per litre at Matrix filling stations.
The NDC aspirant, who is also an investigative journalist and owner of King Mogrips TV, said the current economic realities demand a different approach to political engagement and representation, insisting that politicians should be more concerned about the welfare of the people than the financial demands of electioneering.
He asked how prospective candidates planning to embark on extensive street-to-street canvassing would reach constituents in an environment where transportation and other basic expenses have become increasingly burdensome.
“Fuel is now N1,405 per litre at Matrix filling stations. So tell me, how are you going to tell the people you plan doing street-to-street canvassing for?” Awatorhe queried.
He further questioned whether political actors would genuinely consult the people about their needs or merely seek to obtain their support and campaign contributions ahead of the election.
According to him, the people of Okpe, Sapele and Uvwie deserve representatives who will prioritise their interests, amplify their concerns and use legislative office to pursue practical solutions to the challenges confronting the constituency.
Awatorhe said his decision to contest for the House of Representatives was motivated by his longstanding advocacy for his constituency, Delta State and Nigeria, stressing that he intends to take that advocacy into the National Assembly.
He said his objective is to use the legislative platform to sponsor and support bills, raise issues affecting the people on the floor of the House and fight for policies that will improve the welfare and economic opportunities of constituents.
The aspirant's position comes against the backdrop of growing political activity ahead of the 2027 elections, with the Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie Federal Constituency expected to attract considerable attention. The constituency is currently represented in the House of Representatives by Hon. Benedict Etanabene.
Awatorhe maintained that political representation should not be reduced to campaign-season visits, promises or the distribution of temporary incentives, but should be measured by the ability of elected representatives to consistently defend the interests of their constituents.
He also called on voters to critically examine the records, capacity, programmes and commitment of those seeking their votes in 2027 rather than allowing temporary political incentives to determine their choices.
According to him, the economic hardship confronting Nigerians makes it even more important for citizens to demand accountability and purposeful representation at every level of government.
Awatorhe urged the people of Okpe, Sapele and Uvwie to remain politically conscious and to assess candidates based on what they can realistically contribute to legislative development and the advancement of the constituency.
He said his aspiration under the NDC represents a commitment to bringing grassroots concerns to the National Assembly and ensuring that the voices of the people are heard in national policymaking.
While calling for support for the NDC ahead of the 2027 elections, Awatorhe said the ultimate decision remains with the electorate, who, according to him, have the responsibility to choose representatives capable of putting the interests of the people above personal political ambitions.
