Okowa Storms Delta Senate Race, Sets Stage for Showdown with Ned Nwoko

|By Adejumo Adekunle

Former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has formally declared his intention to contest for a senatorial seat, igniting fresh political tension ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Okowa made the announcement on Monday, signalling his return to frontline politics and setting up what could become a high-stakes battle for control of the district.

The seat is currently occupied by billionaire businessman and politician, Ned Nwoko, who has remained a dominant force in the area’s political landscape.

In a dramatic twist, Okowa—who was the 2023 vice-presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)—is reportedly positioning himself to contest under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a move that could reshape alliances and disrupt established party structures in Delta State.

Okowa, who governed Delta State from 2015 to 2023, is widely regarded as a seasoned political strategist, and his entry into the race is expected to intensify competition and redraw political calculations in the region.

Political observers say the looming contest between Okowa and Nwoko could evolve into one of the most closely watched senatorial battles in the country, as both figures command significant influence and grassroots support.

With the 2027 elections approaching, the development underscores the growing political realignments and fierce jostling for power already shaping Nigeria’s electoral landscape.