After failed VP run, Okowa declares for Senate

Former Delta State Governor Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has declared his intention to contest the Delta North senatorial seat on the platform of the All Progressives Congress in the 2027 general elections, bowing to pressure from over 50 prominent political leaders across the zone’s nine local government areas.

The declaration followed a weekend visit to Okowa’s Asaba residence by the delegation, led by Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme, which included former and serving National Assembly members, top government officials and other political heavyweights from the Anioma region.

Before proceeding to Okowa’s home, the group had met at the deputy governor’s lodge, where former House of Representatives Minority Leader Mr Ndudi Elumelu moved a motion — seconded by current federal lawmaker Hon Nnamdi Ezechi — calling on Okowa to contest the Senate seat. The motion was unanimously adopted.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, prominent leaders including former minister Chief Chris Agbobu, Chief Emma Onyiuku, and former lawmaker Hon Doris Uboh described Okowa as a seasoned administrator and consensus builder whose experience remained indispensable for effective federal representation.

Accepting the call, a visibly emotional Okowa told the gathering he had no choice but to heed their request.

“I feel very loved and honoured, and I have no choice than to accept,” he said, adding, “We’ll run it together and win together. I will not disappoint you.”

The former governor also tendered an apology to the Anioma people over what he described as his “mistake” in facilitating the emergence of the current senator representing the district. He recalled the overwhelming support he received from the zone during his successful Senate campaign in 2011 and his governorship victory in 2015, pledging to honour that trust once again.

Deputy Governor Onyeme assured Okowa of the full backing of the leaders and the Anioma people, describing the senatorial project as a collective endeavour.