Hon. Richard Uvwiemedja Ukuyoma, popularly known as Ugboroke, has formally declared his intention to contest the Uvwie Constituency seat in the Delta State House of Assembly ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ukuyoma made the declaration when he led supporters and political associates to the Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Effurun, where he was received by leaders of the party’s Uvwie Local Government Area chapter.
The delegation was welcomed by the party’s Vice Chairman, Hon. Ufuoma Oboro, who stood in for the Chairman, Comrade Sylvester Dick.
Addressing party leaders and members, Ukuyoma said his decision to join the race was driven by a desire to provide quality representation and address what he described as years of neglect in Uvwie.
“I am in this race to liberate my people. I want to be that voice in the State House of Assembly that will speak for true representation,” he said.
He added that leadership should be rooted in service rather than personal gain.
“Being a leader is to serve your people, not to lord over them. I am offering myself to serve my people,” Ukuyoma stated.
The aspirant criticised what he described as poor legislative performance in the constituency, insisting that elected representatives should be judged by their direct impact on the people rather than projects executed by the state government.
According to him, ongoing projects in Uvwie, including roads and flyovers, are part of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s broader development agenda.
“The governor is working in Uvwie because Uvwie is the gateway to Delta State. No lawmaker should claim government projects as personal achievements,” he said.
Ukuyoma maintained that a single four-year term is enough for a committed legislator to make a meaningful impact.
“Four years is enough for the people to feel your impact. If nothing changes after four years, then the people deserve a better option,” he declared.
He described himself as a youthful aspirant with fresh ideas capable of complementing the development strides of the current administration.
“I am bringing youthful energy and innovation,” he said.
Ukuyoma also promised empowerment programmes for residents, stressing that he was not contesting for personal enrichment.
“I am not in this race to enrich myself. What I seek is the opportunity to give back to the people,” he added.
He appealed to APC leaders in the constituency to support his aspiration, saying he represents a new generation of servant leadership committed to progress and inclusive development.
Responding, Uvwie APC Vice Chairman, Hon. Ufuoma Oboro commended Hon. Richard Ukuyoma for presenting his vision before party leaders and members.
“You have spoken well. It is not easy to stand before your people and tell them what you want to do for them,” Oboro said.
She advised the aspirant to conduct his campaign peacefully and avoid bitterness, stressing that politics should not be treated as a do-or-die affair.
“When God says it is your time, it will be your time. Do not play politics of bitterness or hold grudges against anybody,” she stated.
Oboro urged Ukuyoma to focus on selling his programmes and ideas to the electorate rather than attacking opponents.
“Preach your own message. Tell the people what you can do for the constituency. Do not criticise anybody,” she advised.
She also called on supporters of the aspirant to remain orderly and disciplined throughout the political process.
Oboro further urged all aspirants to accept the party’s eventual decision, whether through consensus or primary election, in the spirit of sportsmanship and unity.
“Whatever the decision of the party is, accept it in good faith. That is the spirit of sportsmanship,” she said.
