Former Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has declared his intention to contest the Delta North senatorial seat in the 2027 general election under the All Progressives Congress (APC), following pressure from political stakeholders in the district.
Okowa made the announcement at his residence in Asaba while receiving a delegation of political leaders from Delta North senatorial district.
The delegation, led by Monday Onyeme, included former and serving lawmakers, government officials, and stakeholders drawn from the nine local government areas of the district.
During the meeting, a motion urging Okowa to run for the Senate was moved by Ndudi Elumelu and seconded by Nnamdi Ezechi. The motion received unanimous approval.
The leaders described Okowa as a “seasoned administrator” and “consensus builder,” noting that his experience as a former governor and senator positions him to provide effective representation.
Responding, Okowa expressed appreciation for the endorsement and formally accepted the call to contest.
“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.
“I was going to call His Excellency, the Deputy Governor, to request of him, because the time is now short, to help me invite some leaders, so that I can bring the news that I would like to run for the Senate. So that I won’t start going to local governments without consulting with the leaders.
“I accept your request to run for the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, representing Delta North senatorial district.
“I want to reassure you that politics is a learning process; I will continue to learn on a daily basis.”
Okowa also thanked the Anioma people for their continued support, recalling their backing during his 2011 senatorial bid and subsequent governorship elections. He said he would again rely on their support ahead of the 2027 polls.
The former governor further apologised to the district over what he described as a “mistake” in supporting the emergence of Ned Nwoko, the current senator representing Delta North.
Boluwatife Enome
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