Agbor, January 6, 2026 — Former Delta State Governor and prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) leader, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, has emphasised the need for unity and collective effort among party members in Ika Federal Constituency, advocating that collaboration should supersede personal ambitions to drive sustainable development in the region.
Speaking at a well-attended APC Ika Federal Constituency Leaders and Stakeholders meeting held on Monday, January 5, 2026, at the Vienna Arena in Agbor, Okowa highlighted that the strength of the Ika people lies in their capacity to unite with mutual respect and a shared vision for progress. The gathering, convened amid the ongoing nationwide APC electronic membership registration exercise, served as a platform to reinforce party cohesion and mobilise support ahead of future political engagements.
Okowa cautioned against internal divisions and personal rivalries, asserting that such tendencies hinder growth. "Collaboration is always better than competition," he declared, urging stakeholders to focus on harmony, set aside individual differences, and commit to the broader interests of the Ika nation. He described development as a collective responsibility, encouraging members to build on existing achievements and harness synergy to attract more democratic dividends and opportunities to the constituency.
"If we resolve, collectively and immediately, to work together, we can command political dominance across all 26 wards of the Ika Federal Constituency," Okowa stated, expressing optimism about the party's potential when united. His remarks resonated with attendees, who viewed them as a timely call to action in consolidating the APC's gains in Delta State following the historic mass movement into the party in 2025.
The meeting also featured addresses from the APC National Publicity Secretary, Barrister Felix Morka, who convened the session and described it as the first major assembly of Ika APC leaders since the transformative defections of April 2025. Morka rallied members to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, emphasising the need for full backing of national reforms and state-level initiatives.
Prominent figures in attendance included the Member representing Ika Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Victor Nwokolo; Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. Chiedu Ebie; Secretary to the Delta State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu; Hon. Marilyn Okowa-Daramola; chairmen of Ika North-East and Ika South Local Government Areas, Samuel Ekene Kerry and Hilary Fada Ibude, respectively; as well as other key stakeholders such as Hon. Doris Uboh, Evangelist Moses Kamaya, Monday Odigwe, and Hon. Jerry Ehiwarior.
The event underscored the APC's growing influence in Delta State, particularly in the Ika region, which forms part of the Delta North Senatorial District. Since the mass defection led by Governor Oborevwori and Okowa in April 2025—described by participants as a "political earthquake"—the party has witnessed increased grassroots mobilisation and structural strengthening.
Okowa's message of unity comes at a pivotal time as the APC conducts its e-registration drive nationwide, aimed at updating membership records and expanding its base. In Ika Federal Constituency, comprising Ika North-East and Ika South Local Government Areas, the exercise has seen enthusiastic participation, with leaders using forums like this meeting to sensitise members and encourage mass registration.
Analysts view Okowa's advocacy as reflective of broader efforts to foster internal harmony within the APC in Delta, especially after the integration of former PDP heavyweights. His emphasis on collective action aligns with the party's Renewed Hope agenda, promoting inclusive governance and development.
The gathering reaffirmed commitments to peace, progress, and party loyalty, with speakers calling for sustained support for President Tinubu's economic reforms and Governor Oborevwori's MORE Agenda for Delta State. As Nigeria approaches future electoral cycles, such stakeholder engagements are seen as crucial for building a formidable APC structure in the South-South region.
Okowa, who served as Delta Governor from 2015 to 2023 and was the PDP vice-presidential candidate in 2023 before defecting, has emerged as a key voice in the state's APC, leveraging his experience to bridge gaps and promote cohesive leadership.
The meeting concluded on a high note, with participants pledging renewed dedication to the APC's objectives and the overall advancement of Ika land and Delta State.
