In a powerful address delivered at the Delta State All Progressives Congress (APC) Stakeholders Meeting held on Sunday at the Government House in Asaba, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, the immediate past Governor of Delta State, expressed strong support for President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms. Okowa described the reforms as bold, tough, but indispensable measures aimed at salvaging Nigeria’s faltering economy. While acknowledging the temporary hardships these policies have caused for Nigerians, he emphasized their necessity in laying a robust foundation for long-term national prosperity.
Okowa’s remarks come at a time when Nigeria is grappling with the effects of sweeping economic changes introduced by the Tinubu administration. These reforms, which include measures such as subsidy removal, currency adjustments, and efforts to diversify the economy, have stirred debates across the nation due to their immediate impact on the cost of living. However, Okowa urged citizens to view these policies through a lens of patience and optimism, arguing that they are critical to averting economic collapse.
“As leaders, we have a responsibility to help our people understand that every reform comes with temporary pain, but with long-term gain,” Okowa stated. “The economic measures may seem challenging now, but they are the bedrock for a stronger, more sustainable Nigeria. I am confident that Delta State and the nation at large are on the right path. With unity, understanding, and faith, the sacrifices being made will soon yield visible progress and lasting prosperity for all.”
Okowa’s endorsement of Tinubu’s policies was not merely a defense of the administration’s agenda but also a call to action for party leaders and members to rally behind the President’s vision. He stressed that the success of these reforms depends on collective support and a shared commitment to the nation’s progress. By framing the reforms as a necessary sacrifice, Okowa sought to bridge the gap between the government’s intentions and public perception, encouraging Deltans to remain steadfast in their support for the APC-led federal government.
Beyond his commendation of the economic reforms, Okowa turned his attention to the internal dynamics of the APC in Delta State, expressing optimism about the growing unity within the party. He praised the leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the State Chairman of the APC, Chief Omeni Sobotie, for their efforts in fostering inclusiveness and reconciliation among party members. According to Okowa, the strides made in uniting various factions within the party have positioned Delta APC for success in future elections.
“I am truly excited to be part of this meeting, and I must sincerely thank His Excellency, the Governor, and the State Chairman of our party for putting this together,” Okowa said. “Since the governor led us into the APC on April 28, 2025, Delta has been on the right political path. I can confidently say that it was the right step in the right direction.”
The former governor’s remarks reflect the significance of the APC’s expansion in Delta State, particularly following the high-profile defection of key political figures, including Okowa himself, to the party earlier in 2025. This move has bolstered the APC’s influence in a state historically dominated by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Okowa’s decision to align with the APC was a strategic one, aimed at consolidating political power and aligning Delta State with the federal government’s agenda.
Okowa singled out Chief Sobotie for his bridge-building efforts, noting that the chairman’s leadership has been instrumental in creating a cohesive party structure. He also commended local government party leaders for their openness in embracing new members, a gesture he described as critical to the party’s growth. “Unity remains the key to achieving overwhelming victory in the next general elections,” Okowa declared, emphasizing that a united front is essential for the APC to dominate the political landscape in Delta State.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Okowa expressed confidence in the APC’s prospects, stating that victory was not a matter of “if” but “how much.” “The next election is not about whether we will win because I believe victory is certain, but about the number of votes we will deliver,” he said. “Delta State must make a strong statement with massive support for our party and for Mr. President.”
To achieve this goal, Okowa urged party faithful to intensify grassroots mobilization efforts. He emphasized the importance of taking the message of unity and progress back to their wards and communities, stressing that sustained engagement at the local level would ensure a resounding victory for the APC. By rallying support at the grassroots, Okowa believes the party can solidify its base and deliver a significant vote count that will strengthen Governor Oborevwori’s standing before President Tinubu.
Okowa also took time to commend party leaders across Delta State’s three senatorial districts—Delta North, Delta Central, and Delta South—for their maturity, commitment, and reconciliation efforts. He described Governor Oborevwori’s emergence as the state’s leader as a divine occurrence, underscoring the strategic timing of the APC’s consolidation in Delta State. “The decision to align with the APC was timely and strategic,” Okowa noted, adding that it has positioned Delta State to benefit from the federal government’s policies and programs.
The former governor’s address was not only a call for unity within the APC but also a broader appeal for Deltans to support the Tinubu administration’s vision for Nigeria. By aligning the state’s political aspirations with the federal government’s economic agenda, Okowa sought to create a synergy that would drive development in Delta State. He highlighted the importance of fostering a sense of shared purpose among party members, urging them to work together to deliver tangible results for their constituents.
Okowa’s remarks also underscored the evolving political landscape in Delta State, where the APC is steadily gaining ground. The party’s ability to attract prominent figures like Okowa and Oborevwori signals a shift in the state’s political dynamics, with the APC emerging as a formidable force. This development has significant implications for the 2027 elections, as the party seeks to consolidate its gains and expand its influence across the state.
In addition to his focus on party unity and electoral success, Okowa emphasized the need for continued reconciliation within the APC. He acknowledged that political transitions, such as the mass defection to the APC, can create tensions among existing and new members. However, he praised the party’s leadership for its inclusive approach, which has helped to smoothen these transitions and foster a sense of belonging among all members.
As the APC in Delta State prepares for the challenges ahead, Okowa’s message of unity and optimism serves as a rallying cry for party members. His endorsement of Tinubu’s reforms and his confidence in the APC’s electoral prospects reflect a strategic vision aimed at aligning Delta State with the national agenda while strengthening the party’s position at the state level.
In conclusion, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa’s address at the Delta State APC Stakeholders Meeting was a blend of policy endorsement, political strategy, and a call for unity. By lauding President Tinubu’s economic reforms, he sought to build public support for the administration’s agenda while acknowledging the challenges faced by ordinary Nigerians. At the same time, his emphasis on unity and grassroots mobilization underscored the APC’s ambitions in Delta State as it gears up for the 2027 elections. With Governor Oborevwori at the helm and leaders like Chief Sobotie fostering inclusiveness, the APC appears poised to make significant strides in the state. Okowa’s message was clear: through unity, strategic alignment, and relentless grassroots efforts, Delta State can deliver a resounding victory for the APC and contribute to Nigeria’s long-term prosperity.
