To political pundits, it did not come as a surprise that the former Governor of Delta State, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, CON, has thrown his hat into the ring to contest for the Delta North Senatorial position in 2027.
For some time, there had been a strident cry from the electorate for him to contest for the seat currently occupied by Prince Ned Nwoko.
One cannot forget that Okowa left the Senate in 2015 to contest for the governorship of Delta State. He won that election and successfully served two terms without hitches.
Since he left office as Governor on May 29,2023, there have been no words from him regarding his political aspiration.
However, on Sunday, April 12, 2026, he formally addressed political leaders from Delta North, making it clear that he would be seeking the senatorial seat once again.
The Senate is the highest law-making body in the country; as such, every Senatorial District sends its best representatives there. Former Governor Okowa’s life revolves mainly around politics. He has played the game at local, state, national, and international levels. He is not going to the Senate to learn on the job; he understands democracy and remains passionate about the political process.
Since his declaration on Sunday, some friends have called to inquire about the fate of Senator Ned Nwoko. They noted that the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, Ph.D., was among the political leaders present when Okowa made public his intention.
I told them that Senator Nwoko, as an intelligent politician, will likely not contest against Okowa. Nwoko would review his archives from 2002 when he first began nursing the senatorial ambition and consult realistic politicians rather than sycophants. An unbiased analysis of his political journey would make it obvious that he successfully cannot contest against Okowa, regardless of the political platform.
Furthermore, Sen. Nwoko has not yet confirmed in concrete terms that he will seek a return to the Senate in 2027, perhaps aware that many of his constituents are calling on Okowa to take over.
It is evident that Okowa wiill likely secure a clear victory, given the calibre of politicians present at his declaration. Those with proven track records of mobilizing voters and swaying public opinion in Delta North were the ones calling on him to contest.
For instance, Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme can comfortably work with leaders such as Hon. Charles Emetulu, Hon. Sam Osasa, Chief Festus Ochonogor, Rear Admiral Mike Onah (OON), Dr. Eugene Okolocha, Sir Christopher Osakwe, Barr. Emmanuel Okwaji, and others. Together, they can ensure that Okowa receives more than 80 percent of the votes cast in Ndokwa West Local Government Area, while extending their reach across Delta North.
Similarly, Chief Godwill Obielum from Ndokwa East has proven since the early 2000s that he largely controls political decisions in that area. Having contested what is still described as the toughest gubernatorial election in Delta State, Obielum knows every nook and cranny of Ndokwa East. He is trusted by the people and can confidently say, “My people rely on me for political guidance because they are aware that I will not fail them.”
Ukwuani Local Government Area is also a “sure bet” for Okowa. Chief Fidelis Tilije, the Commissioner for Finance who is known for speaking the truth regardless of whose ox is gored, will be among those leading the electorate. Of course, the Ika Federal Constituency is Okowa’s home, while the Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, known for party loyalty, will vote for their former governor who did so much for them.
The declaration of Okowa for the Senate also suggests a streamlined path for President Bola Tinubu and the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, as they seek re-election in 2027. Okowa has officially commenced consultations across every community in the Delta North Senatorial District. On the visits, he is advocating not only for himself but also for the All Progressives Congress (APC). The former Governor will be returning to the Senate on the platform of the APC, the same party hopefully returning Tinubu and Oborevwori as its Presidential and Governorship candidates, respectively.
The days ahead will be interesting as events unfold. However, one thing is certain: Okowa is physically, mentally, and emotionally fit to represent Delta North. The people have breathed a sigh of relief now that he has accepted the call to contest, possibly unopposed.
With that, I say congratulations to Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, CON, as he prepares to return to the Red Chambers in 2027.
Fidelis Egugbo is the Senior Special Assistant on Media to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State.
