The senator representing Delta South Senatorial District, Sen. Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, has formally declared his intention to seek re-election under the platform of the All Progresses Congress (APC), emphasizing experience, continuity, and expanded development for his constituents.
The declaration was made on Friday, May 1, 2026, at Oleh Township Stadium in Isoko South Local Government Area.
The event drew a mammoth crowd of party members, stakeholders, and supporters from across the senatorial district.
Addressing the gathering, Sen. Joel -Onowakpo said the demands of the office require proven experience and capacity, noting that his performance as a first-term senator justifies his bid for another tenure.
“This job needs an experienced person with the capacity to deliver the benefits of government. Even as a rookie, I have delivered the goods. Just imagine what will happen, if I am given the opportunity to serve a second term,” he said.
He cautioned against disrupting ongoing progress, stressing that continuity would accelerate development.
“I will not need to reinvent the wheel. Any choice other than me, is to reinvent the wheel and take us backwards without making progress,” he added.
The lawmaker pledged to consolidate on his achievements, promising improved service delivery and inclusive representation.
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“Having gained experience and capacity, I want you to trust me once again with your mandate. I will devote my time and energy to expanding opportunities, correcting mistakes, creating more impactful lives, sustaining peace, and improving job creation,” he said.
He concluded his declaration by stating: “After due consultation with my family and critical stakeholders, I hereby formally declare to seek your support for re-election to serve you once again in the National Assembly.”
The event also featured endorsements from key stakeholders representing the major ethnic blocs in Delta South.
Speaking on behalf of the Urhobo people, Bernard Okumagba, said the senator had demonstrated capacity and deserves another term.
“We have seen what Senator Joel -Onowakpo has done within a short time. For us as Urhobo people in Delta South, continuity is not just desirable, it is necessary. We stand firmly behind him,” Okumagba stated.
Representing the Ijaw ethnic group, Funkekeme Solomon, commended the senator’s inclusive leadership style.
“Senator Joel -Onowakpo has carried every group along. His representation has been people-oriented and accessible. The Ijaw nation in Delta South fully supports his re-election,” Solomon said.
Also speaking for the Isoko people, Ovuzorie Macaulay, described the senator as a unifying figure.
“He has shown leadership that unites rather than divides. For Isoko nation, this is the kind of representation we want to sustain,” Macaulay noted.
In a major political development at the rally, a motion was moved for the adoption of President Bola Tinubu and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as the sole presidential and governorship candidates, respectively, of the APC in Delta South.
The motion was moved by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prince Johnson Erijo, who emphasized the need for alignment between federal and state leadership.
“This adoption is a strategic decision for the growth and development of Delta South. The synergy between the federal government under President Tinubu and the state government under Governor Oborevwori is critical for our progress,” Erijo said.
The motion was seconded by Timi Tonye, who urged party members to remain united.
“This is a moment for unity and purpose. We must rally behind tested leadership to secure the future of our people,” Tonye added.
The motion was subsequently put to a voice vote by the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor, and was unanimously adopted by the crowd.
APC state Vice Chairman and Chairman of Delta South Senatorial District, Chief Emma Amgbaduba, acknowledged the senator’s declaration and noted that the party had taken cognisance of his intention.
He indicated that the decision on his candidacy would be determined at the appropriate time through either direct primary or a consensus arrangement within the party, while also congratulating him on what he described as a successful declaration outing.
The development is seen as a consolidation of political support for Sen. Joel-Onowakpo, as well as a demonstration of growing alignment within the APC structure in Delta South ahead of the next electoral cycle.
