Immediate past Governor of Delta, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, on Sunday declared interest to seek All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket to the Senate in the 2027 general elections.
This was sequel to a demand by high-profile political leaders in Delta North Senatorial District, who besieged his residence in Asaba, to make the request.
The leaders, who included former and serving National Assembly members and top government officials and politicians, were led by the Deputy Governor of the State, Sir Monday Onyeme.
The group had earlier met at the deputy governor's lodge before proceeding to Okowa's residence to urge him to contest the the seat, following a resolution reached at the meeting.
After deploring the quality of representation the district is currently getting at the Red Chamber, a motion moved by former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Mr Ndudi Elumelu, and seconded by a serving member of the Green Chamber, Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi, to ask Okowa to return to the Senate was approved.
Speaking on behalf of the leaders, prominent figures including Chief Chris Agbobu (Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency), Chief Emma Onyiuku (Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency), and Doris Uboh (Ika Federal Constituency), urged Okowa to accept the call to represent Delta North in the Senate.
The leaders described the former governor as a seasoned administrator and consensus builder whose experience remains vital for effective representation at the federal level.
At his residence, Okowa who was surprised and overwhelmed with emotion on the visit and the demand of the people on him, said for the calibre of persons on the mission, "I heed your call. I feel very loved and honoured, and I have no choice than to accept."
He apologised to the Anioma people for what he described as the “mistake” of having been instrumental in the emergence of the incumbent senator representing the district.
He recalled how he was supported by Anioma people in the build-up to his election to the Senate in 2011, which he won, adding that he enjoyed the same measure from the people when he contested and won the governorship election in 2015.
"As I accept your request for me to run for the Senate seat, we'll run it together, and win together. I will not disappoint you.
"The statement all of you have just made here is not for today; it's a statement for the future of our people, and I thank you for being thoughtful and concerned for our people", he said.
In his remark, the deputy governor assured Okowa of the support of all the leaders and Anioma people, saying "it's our collective project".
No fewer than 50 leaders from the nine local government areas that make up the senatorial district were in attendance.
