By Our Reporter
Strong indications have emerged that the senatorial comeback bid of former Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, is rapidly crystallising into a well-funded, consensus-driven project within his Ika political base.
Rather than a routine endorsement, Tuesday’s consultations across Ika North-East and Ika South local government areas revealed a carefully coordinated push to clear the path for Okowa’s return to the Senate under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
At Agbor, headquarters of Ika South, party stakeholders moved beyond expressions of support to formally adopt Okowa as a consensus candidate. The motion, moved by Dr. Martin Okonta and seconded by Hon. Festus Chukwuyem Okoh under the supervision of Engr. Doris Uboh, was unanimously endorsed by party faithful—effectively signalling an early move to avoid a bruising primary contest.
Okowa, who represented Delta North between 2011 and 2015, used the occasion to strike a conciliatory tone, thanking constituents for their past support and pledging a more measured, service-oriented approach if returned to the National Assembly.
However, the defining feature of the meetings was not just political alignment but the scale of financial mobilisation behind the project.
In Ika South, Dr. Hilary Ibegbulem led the charge with a ₦200 million donation to support nomination processes and campaign logistics. This was swiftly complemented in Ika North-East, where stakeholders raised an additional ₦250 million at a separate consultation held at the Vienna Event Centre—bringing the total war chest from the constituency to ₦450 million.
The gatherings drew a cross-section of influential political figures, including APC National Publicity Secretary, Barr. Felix Morka, who delivered the vote of thanks, alongside Chief Chris Agbobu, Hon. Paschal Adigwe, Chief Kingsley Esiso, Hon. Victor Nwokolo, and Dr. Festus Okunbor.
Analysts say the twin strategy of early consensus-building and heavy financial backing suggests a deliberate effort by Okowa’s camp to consolidate the Ika base as a springboard for a broader Delta North campaign.
With this level of coordination and resource commitment, the race for the Delta North Senate seat may already be tilting—well ahead of formal campaign season.