A political pressure group in Delta North Senatorial District has rejected in its entirety the move by former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to seek re-election to represent Delta North in the upper legislative chamber of the National Assembly in 2027.
The outright rejection of Okowa’s senatorial aspiration is one of the high points of resolutions adopted by the leadership and members of the Delta North Political Renaissance and Advocacy Group (DNPR&AG) at the end of an emergency meeting convened to examine unfolding political developments in Delta State ahead of next year’s general elections.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the group affirmed that it has mobilized and given marching orders to its “foot soldiers” and teeming supporters across the nine local government areas of Delta North to implement its decisions to the letter.
“Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, it is no longer enough to speak in polished tones or hide behind political rhetoric. The people demand clear, honest, and accountable answers to fundamental questions germane to their very existence,” the communiqué stated.
According to the communiqué jointly signed by the President, Dr. Kester Koyegwachie, and Secretary-General, High Chief Enuosa Benjamin, the group cited what it described as “double speak” by Senator Okowa on issues surrounding the creation of Anioma State and the classification of Anioma people as Igbos. It insisted that the former governor has no justification to consult the people of Aniocha South and Aniocha North Local Government Areas, who are of Igbo extraction (Ndigbo).
Members of the organization accused the former governor of “deliberately opposing the creation of Anioma State”—a cause they said represents identity, equity, and development. They questioned: “As the agitation grows stronger and more legitimate, where does the former governor’s opposition truly stand?”
The group also asked whether such opposition was borne out of conviction or convenience.
It recalled that in the build-up to the 2023 general elections, Okowa, then the vice-presidential candidate of the PDP, declared himself an Igbo man, only to later recant and allegedly work against the creation of Anioma State aligned with the South-East geopolitical zone.
The statement faulted what it described as inconsistencies in the former governor’s stance on issues of common interest to Delta North, adding that efforts to actualize Anioma State were being misconstrued and misrepresented.
“History is not kind to silence—and even less to neglect. If tomorrow Anioma State becomes feasible only through alignment with the South-East, what will be the position of the former governor? Will he stand with the people or retreat again into ambiguity?” the group queried.
The group further reminded Okowa of his combined 12 years in office as senator and governor, questioning what concrete efforts he made toward the realization of the Anioma project.
It also scrutinized his performance in the Senate, asking what sacrifices he made, what bills he championed, and what alliances he built in support of the Anioma cause, insisting that leadership is measured not by titles but by impact.
“Delta North deserves much more than recycled leadership. It deserves vision, integrity, and a future built on transparency, hard work, service, and truth—not shadows of unanswered questions, especially regarding the ₦1.3 trillion Delta State funds reportedly under investigation by the EFCC,” the group stated.
“Senator Okowa, the allegations are too weighty to be ignored. We urge you to clear your name before seeking to represent the good people of Delta North in the Senate in 2027.”
The group added that the people of Delta State deserve to know what happened to the alleged ₦1.3 trillion during his tenure, stressing that leadership requires accountability.
DNPR&AG further described Okowa’s conduct as that of a politician “desperate to achieve his ambitions at all costs,” pointing to what it called growing discontent in the district, including protests by youths over his alleged plans to recontest the senatorial seat.
The group also criticized his tenure as governor, describing it as marked by a lack of visible infrastructure development in rural communities, particularly in Delta North (Anioma axis).
“What tangible political legacy can the former governor point to in Aniocha North and Aniocha South? What enduring footprints did he leave behind? Can he point to roads constructed, lives transformed, or institutions that empowered the youth?” the statement queried.
It further alleged that Okowa sidelined legacy members of the APC in his consultations, engaging only recent defectors from the PDP.
The group warned that such actions could trigger backlash within the APC if not addressed and called on youths in Delta North to mobilize and implement its resolutions without delay.
The meeting was attended by delegates from across the nine local government areas of Delta North.