Mudiaga Reaffirms Assembly Candidacy After Eku Elders’ Meeting

Hon. Chief Ogbemudia Mudiaga, the Urukpe Cha of Eku and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Ethiope East Constituency 1 (Agbon) in the Delta State House of Assembly, has reaffirmed his determination to contest the 2027 election despite recent developments following a meeting with the Eku Council of Elders.

Mudiaga disclosed that he and other political candidates were invited to a meeting by the Council of Elders, where, according to him, the elders withdrew their earlier choice of words of endorsement and appealed to the various parties to work together.

However, the PDP candidate said the development had not altered his decision to remain in the race, insisting that stepping down or accepting an endorsement in favour of the incumbent Deputy Speaker was not an option for him.

Speaking on his position, Mudiaga said his decision was rooted in his belief in fairness, equity, justice and the democratic right of the people to choose their representative.

“My stand, my ideology, my mandate: why I, Hon. Chief Ogbemudia Mudiaga, Urukpe Cha of Eku, must contest,” he declared.

According to him, he listened respectfully to the advice and opinions expressed by the Council of Elders and approached the elders with humility and respect for Eku traditions.

He, however, maintained that he had “stood his ground to contest,” adding that he would not step down for the incumbent Deputy Speaker.

Mudiaga further argued that some members of the community might be reluctant to openly express their preferences because of the influence of traditional authorities, but expressed confidence that an open and free electoral contest would reveal the choice of the people.

“I understand that many of our people may be afraid to confront the Council of Chiefs to air their true views openly. But I know very well in my heart that if given the free opportunity and an open contest, without fear or intimidation, our people will do otherwise,” he said.

He described himself as the “soul candidate” of the PDP for the constituency and said he remained prepared to contest the 2027 Delta State House of Assembly election.

The Eku-born politician also rejected what he described as the idea that political leadership should be determined by inherited endorsements, stressing that the mandate to represent the people should come from the electorate.

“My ideology is simple: no son of Eku is more Eku than the others. Everyone should be treated fairly,” he said.

“Leadership is not by inheritance of endorsement, it is by the mandate of the people. Democracy must be allowed to thrive.”

Mudiaga called for fairness and justice in the political process, while appealing to individuals and community leaders not to take decisions on his behalf.

“As a legitimate, qualified and proud son of Eku, I am ready, prepared and determined to contest this election and to offer quality representation to the good people of Agbon. The people shall decide,” he added.

He concluded by declaring his optimism about the constituency, saying: “A better Ethiope East is possible. We are okay with Mudiaga.”

The statement comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 Delta State House of Assembly elections, with contenders and political stakeholders positioning themselves for the contest in Ethiope East Constituency 1 (Agbon).