Former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has officially thrown his hat into the ring for the Delta North senatorial seat, yielding to pressure from his political supporters across the district.
The decision followed meeting of over 50 influential leaders from the nine local government areas of Delta North, who visisted his Asaba residence over the weekend, urging him to seek the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.
The delegation, comprising former and serving National Assembly members, top government officials, and party stakeholders, was led by the Deputy Governor, Monday Onyeme.
Before heading to Okowa’s residence, the leaders had converged at the deputy governor’s lodge, where they unanimously resolved to draft him back into the Senate race, expressing dissatisfaction with the current representation of the district.
Senator Ned Nwoko, the incumbent Senator representing the district, is now expected to slot it out with the former Governor for the APC senatorial ticket in Delta North.
A motion for Okowa’s return was moved by former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Ndudi Elumelu, and seconded by Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi, earning immediate approval from the gathering.
Voices from across the zone, including Chief Chris Agbobu, Chief Emma Onyiuku, and Hon. Doris Uboh, described Okowa as a tested leader whose experience is urgently needed at the federal level.
Visibly emotional at the overwhelming show of support, Okowa accepted the call, declaring:
“I heed your call. I feel very loved and honoured, and I have no choice than to accept.”
In a candid moment, the former governor apologised to the Anioma people, admitting what he termed a “mistake” in supporting the emergence of the current senator representing the district.
Recalling the massive support he enjoyed from the people during his 2011 Senate victory and 2015 governorship triumph, Okowa pledged not to let them down this time.
“As I accept your request for me to run for the Senate seat, we’ll run it together and win together. I will not disappoint you.
“The statement all of you have just made here is not for today; it’s a statement for the future of our people, and I thank you for being thoughtful and concerned for our people”, he said.
Backing the move, the deputy governor assured the former governor of total support from leaders and constituents, describing the ambition as a shared mission.
“It’s our collective project.”
