A Houston, Texas-based family medicine physician, Dr. Austin Orette, has formally indicated his intention to contest the 2027 National Assembly election for the Delta South Senatorial District.
Speaking, Orette said his decision to enter the race is driven by a desire to introduce what he described as “a politics of ideas” aimed at addressing long-standing developmental challenges in Nigeria, particularly in Delta South.
He argued that many of the country’s socio-economic problems stem from a failure of leadership to prioritize knowledge, innovation, and citizen empowerment.
“Our politics should be a battle of ideas that will move our people and our nation forward. Great nations utilize ideas to empower the people,” Orette said.
“For every child that is not educated, there is an idea that was not implemented. For every youth that is unemployed, there is an idea that was never implemented.”
The medical practitioner also linked Nigeria’s infrastructural deficits, especially power supply, to what he called a “crisis of ideas in leadership.”
In a separate statement, Orette reassured supporters and political associates who have been mobilizing around his senatorial ambition that he is fully committed to contesting in 2027.
“I am running because I want to use my skills to create opportunities for my people,” he stated.
He emphasized that his campaign would focus on building an “enlightened citizenry” capable of driving development through education, entrepreneurship, and civic participation.
Orette was particularly critical of current political leadership, saying that many officeholders repeatedly apply the same strategies while expecting different outcomes.
“The people will reject the current office holders. They will be made to understand through my pronouncements that the present leaders are doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results,” he said.
He outlined key priority areas of his proposed agenda to include education, healthcare, legal reforms, and active citizenship.
According to him, unemployment in Nigeria is largely a result of underutilization of human capital rather than a lack of talent.
“We have to make people acquire skills for the jobs of tomorrow… We will teach the youth how to be job creators by assisting them to set up businesses,” he added.
Orette disclosed that he plans to hold town hall meetings across Delta South to engage directly with constituents and “reintroduce himself to the people.”
