Immediate past Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, has formally declared his intention to return to the Senate, accepting calls from political leaders in Delta North (Anioma) to contest the 2027 senatorial election under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Okowa made the declaration over the weekend at his residence in Asaba when a high-powered delegation of stakeholders from across the nine local government areas of the district paid him a visit, urging him to join the race.
The delegation, led by the Deputy Governor, Monday Onyeme, included former and serving federal lawmakers, senior government officials, and influential political figures.
Prior to the visit, the leaders had convened at the deputy governor’s lodge, where they resolved to present a united appeal to the former governor, citing what they described as declining quality of representation at the Senate.
A formal motion calling on Okowa to contest was moved by former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Ndudi Elumelu, and seconded by serving lawmaker Nnamdi Ezechi, receiving unanimous approval.
Speaking during the meeting, several leaders stressed the need for a more experienced and influential voice to represent Anioma at the national level, noting that Okowa’s track record as governor and former senator positioned him as the best candidate to restore the district’s relevance.
Responding, Okowa said he was overwhelmed by the unity and confidence shown by the delegation, adding that he could not ignore the collective 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.
He recalled the longstanding support he had enjoyed from the Anioma people, dating back to his election into the Senate in 2011 and his subsequent victories as governor in 2015.
In a striking remark, the former governor apologised to the people of the district over his past political decision regarding the current representation.
The comment is widely interpreted as a veiled criticism of the incumbent senator, Ned 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, we will win together. I will not disappoint you,” Okowa assured.
Also speaking, Onyeme reaffirmed the commitment of political leaders across the district to the project, describing Okowa’s senatorial bid as a strategic move to reposition Delta North in national politics.
The meeting, which had in attendance over 50 political leaders, signals the opening of what is expected to be a high-stakes contest for the Delta North senatorial seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.
