Delta North Politics In Flux As Okowa’s 2027 Rumours Stir Debate
By SEN RICH KAY
Early Ripples Ahead of 2027
POLITICAL discussions in Delta State have intensified following reports that former governor Ifeanyi Okowa may be exploring a return to the National Assembly in 2027.
According to multiple local sources, a recent meeting in Owa Alero Ward, Ika North East Local Government Area, reportedly revealed internal divisions among members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party under which the rumoured Senate bid is said to be contemplated.
While accounts vary, several attendees allegedly voiced concerns about consultation, succession planning, and the broader direction of Delta North politics.
Legacy, Loyalty and Political Transitions
Okowa’s political résumé is extensive. Beyond serving two terms as governor, he was the vice-presidential running mate of the Peoples Democratic Party in 2023. That high-profile national role elevated his visibility but also placed him at the centre of intense partisan politics.
Observers suggest that transitioning from a former PDP vice-presidential candidate to a possible APC Senate aspirant would require careful strategic positioning.
“It’s not just about party platforms,” noted a political scientist at Delta State University. “It’s about how local stakeholders interpret ambition, loyalty and political timing.”
Some grassroots voices reportedly questioned whether a Senate bid aligns with the expectations of constituents seeking generational renewal in leadership.
Changing Dynamics in Ika and Delta North
The Ika axis has long been influential in Delta State’s political calculations. However, demographic shifts and rising political consciousness among youth groups have begun reshaping traditional alignments.
Analysts say that resistance at the ward level—if it reflects broader grassroots sentiment—could indicate a desire for competitive primaries and open contestation rather than perceived imposition.
Others argue that early disagreements are typical in party politics and may ultimately lead to negotiated consensus.
A Developing Political Story
At this stage, no formal campaign structure has been unveiled, and Okowa has not publicly declared his intention to contest the Senate seat. Political insiders emphasize that much could change before party primaries in 2026 or early 2027.
Nonetheless, the reported ward-level pushback underscores a broader theme in Nigerian politics: former officeholders seeking legislative comebacks must contend with evolving expectations among party members and constituents.
As Delta North prepares for the next electoral cycle, the unfolding dynamics around Okowa’s rumoured ambition may serve as an early test of shifting power balances within the region’s political architecture.
