Former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has officially declared his intention to contest the Delta North senatorial seat in the 2027 general election under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The announcement came during a meeting at his residence in Asaba on Monday, where he was visited by a high-powered delegation of political leaders from the nine local government areas of Delta North senatorial district.
The delegation was led by Monday Onyeme, the deputy governor of Delta State, and included former and serving lawmakers, government officials, and key political stakeholders.
In a dramatic moment during the gathering, a motion urging Okowa to contest the senate seat was moved by Ndudi Elumelu, a former lawmaker, and seconded by Nnamdi Ezechi, the member representing the Ndokwa East/Ndokwa West/Ukwuani federal constituency in the House of Representatives. The motion received unanimous approval from all delegates present.
The leaders described Okowa as a “seasoned administrator” and “consensus builder,” noting that his experience as a former governor and former senator ideally positions him for effective representation.
“I Have No Choice But to Accept”
Responding to the groundswell of support, Okowa expressed deep honour at the delegation’s gesture.
“I feel very loved and honoured by this show of support. For the calibre of persons here and the unity of purpose demonstrated, I have no choice but to accept,” he said.
The former governor revealed that he had actually been planning to request the deputy governor to help convene leaders so he could formally announce his intention to run.
“I was going to call His Excellency, the Deputy Governor, to request of him, because the time is now short, to help me invite some leaders, so that I can bring the news that I would like to run for the Senate. So that I won’t start going to local governments without consulting with the leaders,” Okowa explained.
“I accept your request to run for the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, representing Delta North senatorial district,” he declared.
An Apology to Anioma People
In a striking and unexpected turn, Okowa used the occasion to apologise to the district over what he described as a “mistake” — his earlier support for the emergence of Ned Nwoko, the current senator representing Delta North.
Without delving into specifics, Okowa expressed regret for backing Nwoko, acknowledging that the decision had not served the district as well as it should have.
“I want to apologise to the Anioma people for the mistake of supporting the emergence of Ned Nwoko,” Okowa said, drawing murmurs of approval from the assembled leaders.
He did not elaborate further on the nature of his regret but made it clear that he was seeking a fresh mandate from the people to correct past errors and provide the leadership he believes Delta North deserves.
Looking Ahead to 2027
Okowa reassured his supporters that he remains a student of politics committed to learning and improving daily.
“I want to reassure you that politics is a learning process; I will continue to learn on a daily basis,” he said.
The former governor also recalled the strong backing he received from the Anioma people during his 2011 senatorial bid and subsequent governorship elections, expressing gratitude for their continued loyalty.
“I appreciate the support of the Anioma people. I will rely on your support ahead of the 2027 election,” he added.
What This Means for Delta North Politics
Okowa’s declaration sets the stage for a high-stakes political showdown in Delta North ahead of 2027. The entry of the former governor — who served as governor of Delta State from 2015 to 2023 and was the vice-presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election — fundamentally alters the dynamics of the race.
His apology for backing Ned Nwoko is widely seen as an attempt to distance himself from the incumbent senator and appeal directly to voters who may have been dissatisfied with Nwoko’s performance. Nwoko, a lawyer and businessman, has held the seat since 2023.
With Okowa now running under the APC — a party different from the PDP under which he previously governed — the 2027 election in Delta North promises to be one of the most closely watched contests in the country. Political observers will be keen to see whether Okowa can retain his traditional base while navigating his new party affiliation.
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