Isaac Samuel
Immediate past Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, has declared his intention to contest the Delta North Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections, setting the stage for a high-stakes political contest with incumbent senator, Ned Nwoko.
Okowa made the declaration at his residence in Asaba when a delegation of political leaders from the Delta North Senatorial District, popularly known as Anioma, visited him to urge him to join the race.
The delegation, led by Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme, comprised former and serving members of the National Assembly, top government officials and influential stakeholders drawn from the nine local government areas of the district.
The leaders said their appeal was informed by concerns over what they described as declining representation at the Senate, stressing the need for a more experienced and influential figure capable of attracting federal presence and effectively articulating the interests of Anioma people.
A motion endorsing Okowa’s candidacy was moved by former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Ndudi Elumelu, and seconded by Nnamdi Ezechi.
The motion received unanimous approval from the gathering.
Responding, Okowa said he was surprised but deeply moved by the show of unity and confidence reposed in him, noting that he could not ignore the collective call.
“I feel honoured by this demonstration of support. Considering the calibre of persons here and the unity of purpose, I have no choice but to accept,” he said.
The former governor recalled the support he received from Anioma people during his election to the Senate in 2011 and his subsequent victories in the 2015 and 2019 governorship elections, assuring them of his readiness to once again represent their interests at the national level.
In a notable remark, Okowa apologised to the people of the district for what he described as a “mistake” in supporting the emergence of the current senator, a statement widely interpreted as a veiled criticism of Nwoko.
“As I accept your request, this is not about me alone. It is a collective project. We will run it together and, by the grace of God, win together. I will not disappoint you,” he added.
Also speaking, Onyeme described the proposed senatorial bid as a shared mission to reposition Delta North for greater relevance in national politics, assuring Okowa of the unwavering support of political leaders across the district.
No fewer than 50 political stakeholders from the nine local government areas of the senatorial district attended the meeting, underscoring the growing momentum behind Okowa’s return to the National Assembly.
