By Emmanuel Olugua
Fresh political intrigue is unfolding in Delta North Senatorial District following the decision of former governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, to seek the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for the 2027 Senate race, fuelling speculation over the fate of incumbent lawmaker, Ned Nwoko.
Okowa’s declaration came on Sunday after a strong delegation of political heavyweights from across the district converged on his Asaba residence, urging him to return to the National Assembly.
The delegation, led by Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme, comprised former and serving federal lawmakers, top government officials, and influential political stakeholders. They had earlier met at the deputy governor’s lodge, where they resolved to press Okowa into the race.
Sources at the meeting said the move was driven by growing dissatisfaction among political leaders over the quality of representation in the Senate, a development widely interpreted as a direct critique of the incumbent.
A motion moved by former House of Representatives Minority Leader, Ndudi Elumelu, and seconded by serving lawmaker Nnamdi Ezechi, formally called on Okowa to contest the seat, a proposal that received unanimous backing.
Other prominent figures, including Chief Chris Agbobu, Chief Emma Onyiuku, and Doris Uboh, described Okowa as a tested administrator and consensus builder whose experience is urgently needed at the federal level.
An emotional Okowa, visibly surprised by the show of force, said he could not ignore the appeal.
“For the calibre of persons here, I have no choice but to accept. I feel honoured and deeply appreciated,” he said.
In a striking admission, the former governor apologised to the Anioma people for what he described as the “mistake” of supporting the emergence of the current senator—remarks seen as further intensifying the looming political showdown.
Recalling the backing he enjoyed from the district during his Senate victory in 2011 and his governorship win in 2015, Okowa pledged to deliver if given another opportunity.
“As I accept this call, we will run this race together and win together. This is about the future of our people,” he added.
Onyeme, in his remarks, assured the former governor of unified support from leaders and stakeholders across the nine local government areas, describing the bid as “a collective project.”
With Okowa’s entry, the battle for Delta North is shaping up to be a high-stakes contest, setting the stage for a potentially fierce clash within the APC as 2027 approaches.