AS preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum across the country, a political pressure group, the Ukpechukwu Movement, has intensified its grassroots mobilisation across the Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency of Delta State, declaring its total opposition to the culture of political godfatherism.

The movement, which was established to promote active citizen participation in the democratic process, disclosed that it has successfully attracted 11,000 members comprises youths, women, traders, community leaders, and other residents spread across the three local government areas that make up the federal constituency.

Director General of the movement, Tezo Foster, explained that the group’s primary mandate is to strengthen robust engagement between constituents and their elected representatives.

In a statement, Foster said the group has been proactively organising ward level mobilisation, community meetings, and town hall discussions.

These platforms, he noted, are deliberately designed to enable residents to directly engage political actors on pressing issues affecting the socio-economic development of their communities.

He said “Political representation should reflect voters’ choices rather than decisions reached through arrangements outside the electoral process.”

Foster condemned the entrenched practice of political godfatherism in the state, arguing that such undemocratic arrangements severely limit the participation of ordinary citizens in choosing their political candidates.

He also called for the strict protection of the electorate’s mandate, advocating for a transparent electoral process that allows citizens to freely choose their representatives without external imposition or intimidation.

The Ukpechukwu Movement further demanded greater accountability from lawmakers in the National Assembly.

The group urged elected representatives to remain consistently responsive to the needs and development priorities of their constituents, rather than serving narrow political interests.

Assuring the public that the movement’s grassroots engagements and membership drive would continue unabated across the constituency ahead of the national polls, Foster challenged voters to make informed decisions.

“We urge residents to assess candidates based on their programmes, capacity, and commitment to public service,” he adds. (The Guardian)