By Akpos Oghenetega,
Chief Thompson Robert-Fuoye has formally intensified his bid for the Burutu Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives after obtaining the All Progressives Congress (APC) expression of interest and nomination forms, signalling his full entry into the race ahead of party primaries.
The development coincided with a high-profile homecoming in Tuomo town, where the aspirant unveiled his ambition at a gathering dubbed “The Mother of All Declarations,” drawing a large crowd of supporters and securing the endorsement of influential political leaders and elders. Among those who openly backed his candidacy were former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godsday Peter Orubebe; former House of Representatives member for Burutu Federal Constituency, Frank Enekorogha; and Chairman of Delta State Maritime Polytechnic, Burutu, Julius-Government.
Addressing the crowd, Fuoye pledged to deliver what he described as a “fresh breath” of development and inclusive governance, declaring, “I am the new vehicle needed to bring that fresh breath and further propel Burutu Federal Constituency to its deserved socio-economic position.”
He outlined plans to focus on “impactful education, empowerment of youths and women, infrastructural development, and effective inclusive representation.”
He lamented the absence of higher institutions within the constituency, noting that “many of our young people are forced to travel long distances to access education,” a gap he promised to address if elected. Running under the campaign theme “The Fresh Breath,” Fuoye emphasised that his vision is rooted in practical development and grassroots inclusion.
On the anticipated consensus arrangement within the APC, the aspirant expressed confidence in emerging victorious, stating that “the party’s open contest policy gives every candidate a fair opportunity.” He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Delta State Governor for promoting internal democracy within the party.
Fuoye further anchored his candidacy on zoning considerations, arguing that “it is the turn of the southern axis of the constituency to produce the next representative,” adding that he remains “the only APC aspirant from that zone.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Orubebe, Enekorogha, and Tarabiri-Government called for “fairness and equity,” insisting that power should shift to the southern axis. They described Fuoye as “a strong candidate” and urged constituents to support his ambition, citing his track record and commitment to effective representation.
Also lending his voice, Tuomo APC Ward 3 Chairman, Nanah Bulouebi, described Fuoye as “a son of the soil deeply connected to grassroots politics,” stressing that he is widely accepted both at home and beyond.
The event, marked by a carnival-like atmosphere with supporters trooping in from across the community, underscored the growing momentum behind Fuoye’s candidacy, as his campaign organisation confirmed that consultations would continue in the lead-up to the APC primaries.
