Former Delta State governor and 2023 vice-presidential candidate of the PDP, Ifeanyi Okowa, has declared his intention to run for the Delta North senatorial seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Okowa made the announcement at his residence in Asaba after a delegation of political leaders from the nine local government areas in the district urged him to seek the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The delegation, which included over 50 notable political figures such as current and former lawmakers, government officials, and key stakeholders, visited him over the weekend to encourage his candidacy. The group was led by the Delta State Deputy Governor, Monday Onyeme.
Prior to the visit, the leaders had met at the deputy governor’s lodge, where they agreed to persuade Okowa to contest, citing concerns about the current level of representation of Delta North in the Senate.
A motion calling on Okowa to run was moved by former House of Representatives Minority Leader, Ndudi Elumelu, and seconded by serving lawmaker Nnamdi Ezechi. The motion received unanimous support.
Speaking for the delegation, leaders including former minister Chris Agbobu, Chief Emma Onyiuku, and former legislator Doris Uboh urged Okowa to accept the call, describing him as an experienced administrator and unifier capable of improving representation for the Anioma people at the national level.
In response, Okowa expressed appreciation for the overwhelming support and accepted the request to contest.
“I heed your call. I feel honoured and appreciated, and I have no option but to accept,” he said.
He also apologised to the Anioma people for what he described as an earlier “mistake” in supporting the current senator representing the district.
“As I accept this call, we will pursue it together and achieve victory together. I will not let you down,” he added, noting that the move reflects a broader vision for the future of the people.
In his remarks, Onyeme assured that leaders and residents of Anioma would rally behind Okowa’s ambition, describing the senatorial bid as a collective effort aimed at securing success at the polls.