Immediate past Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has formally declared his intention to return to the National Assembly, accepting calls to contest the Delta North Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Okowa made this known over the weekend at his residence in Asaba when a high-powered delegation of political leaders from the Delta North Senatorial District, popularly known as Anioma, paid him a visit to urge him to join the race.
The delegation, led by the Deputy Governor of the state, Monday Onyeme, comprised former and serving members of the National Assembly, senior government officials, and influential political stakeholders drawn from the nine local government areas of the district.
Prior to the visit, the leaders had met at the deputy governor’s lodge, where they deliberated on the political future of the district and resolved to present a unified appeal to the former governor.
Speaking during the visit, the leaders expressed dissatisfaction with what they described as the declining quality of representation currently being experienced at the Senate. They argued that the district required a more experienced and influential voice capable of attracting federal presence and effectively articulating the interests of Anioma people at the national level.
A formal motion calling on Okowa to contest the Senate seat was moved by former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Ndudi Elumelu, and seconded by a serving member of the House, Nnamdi Ezechi.
The motion received unanimous approval from the gathering.
Other prominent figures who spoke in support of the appeal included former federal lawmakers and political leaders from across the district, who described Okowa as a seasoned administrator, consensus builder, and bridge between diverse political interests.
They maintained that his experience as governor and former senator places him in a strong position to deliver effective representation and restore the district’s influence at the federal level.
Responding, Okowa said he was taken by surprise by the visit but deeply moved by the show of unity and confidence reposed in him by the leaders and the people of Anioma. He noted that given the calibre of personalities involved and the collective nature of the appeal, he could not ignore the call.
“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 used the opportunity to reflect on his long-standing political relationship with the Anioma people, recalling their support during his successful bid for the Senate in 2011 and later during his governorship elections in 2015.
He assured the delegation that he would once again rely on their collective strength to prosecute the 2027 senatorial contest.
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 representing Delta North.
The statement is seen by observers as a subtle criticism of the incumbent Senator Ned Nwoko and an attempt to reconnect with constituents ahead of the election.
"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, we will win together. I will not disappoint you,” he added.
Also speaking, Deputy Governor Onyeme assured Okowa of the unwavering support of political leaders and stakeholders across the district, describing the proposed senatorial bid as a shared mission aimed at repositioning Delta North for greater relevance in national politics.
No fewer than 50 political leaders from across the nine local government areas of the senatorial district were present at the meeting.
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