Immediate past Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has declared his intention to seek the Delta North Senatorial district currently being occupied by Senator Ned Nwoko ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Okowa’s declaration came after a high-level delegation of political leaders, lawmakers, and stakeholders from across the district stormed his residence in Asaba, urging him to return to the Red Chamber to contest the senatorial seat.
The delegation, led by Delta State Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme, had earlier convened at the Deputy Governor’s Lodge before proceeding en masse to Okowa’s residence to formally present their request.
The group included former and serving members of the National Assembly, senior government officials, and influential political figures drawn from all parts of Delta North.
They said the decision followed a resolution reached during their earlier meeting, where concerns were raised over what they described as declining quality of representation currently experienced in the Senate.
A motion to persuade Okowa to contest was moved by former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Ndudi Elumelu, and seconded by serving lawmaker Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi, before being unanimously adopted.
Prominent stakeholders including Chief Chris Agbobu (Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency), Chief Emma Onyiuku (Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency), and Chief Doris Uboh (Ika Federal Constituency) all appealed to Okowa to accept the call, describing him as a “tested administrator and consensus builder.”
Visibly surprised by the show of solidarity, Okowa expressed appreciation for the delegation’s appeal, saying he was deeply honoured by their confidence in him.
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For the calibre of leaders present, he said: “I heed your call. I feel very loved and honoured, and I have no choice than to accept.”
The former governor also apologised to the Anioma people over what he described as a “mistake” in supporting the emergence of the current senator representing Delta North.
He recalled his long political journey with the electorate, noting that Anioma people had previously supported his election to the Senate in 2011 and later backed his successful gubernatorial bid in 2015.
Declaring his readiness to contest, Okowa assured supporters of victory and collective effort.
“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,” he said.
He further described the appeal as a forward-looking decision for the interest of the district, adding that it reflected genuine concern for the political future of the Anioma people.
In his remarks, Deputy Governor Onyeme assured Okowa of unified backing from political leaders across Delta North, describing the project as a collective mission.
“It is our collective project,” he said.
The gathering reportedly attracted no fewer than 50 leaders from the nine local government areas that make up the senatorial district, signalling what observers describe as a significant early political realignment ahead of the 2027 elections.