Delta North Senate: Ochei Hints At Future Bid Amid Sports Commitments

President of the Nigerian Tennis Federation (NTF) and former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Victor Ochei, has indicated he will address calls to contest the Delta North Senatorial seat “at the appropriate time.”

Ochei made the statement during an appearance on Arise TV’s Global Sports Programme, acknowledging the growing appeals from constituents and political stakeholders urging him to enter the race for the senatorial position. He attributed the demand to public confidence in his leadership, service record and commitment to the development of tennis game across Nigeria..

“There have been calls from the people for me to run for the Delta North Senatorial seat, and at the appropriate time, I will respond accordingly,” Ochei stated.

He was keen to assure that any future political ambition would not clash with his current duties as NTF President, stressing that public service and sports development have consistently been intertwined throughout his career.

“My love for tennis and the growth of sports remains unwavering. Politics and sports development are not mutually exclusive. I have always used every platform available to empower young people and promote excellence,” he affirmed.

Ochei’s deep-rooted passion for sports was evident as he recounted his significant investment in youth development during his tenure as a lawmaker in Delta State. This included sponsoring wheelchair basketball athletes in Nigeria and personally supporting individuals and teams for international competitions in countries such as Algeria, South Africa, Germany, and Brazil, aiming to elevate Nigerian talent on the global stage.

Beyond national efforts, Ochei highlighted his sustained commitment to grassroots sports through his annual Village Unity Cup competition, a tournament designed to promote peace, unity, and youth engagement within his community. Furthermore, he established a stadium and sports development centre to discover, nurture, and train emerging athletes to professional standards.

Ochei’s remarks are expected to intensify speculation surrounding the Delta North Senatorial contest, whilst also underscoring his clear ambition to forge a lasting legacy in both political and sports administration.