Senator Ned Nwoko representing Delta North in the upper Chambers of the National Assembly is set to do battle with the immediate past governor of the state, Ifeanyi Okowa for the All Progressive Congress, APC, senatorial ticket ahead of the 2027 election.
Nwoko only became a senator after the 2023 general election, succeeding the late Peter Nwaoboshi who died recently. But it appears that his ‘reign’ in the red chambers is going to be brief, just for one term.
From all indications, Nwoko who was recently entangled in a marriage feud with his ex wife and Nollywood actress, Regina Daniels appears to have fallen out of favour with his constituents many of who are now clamouring for the return of Okowa to the senate to take the place of Nwoko.
Okowa had returned from the senate in 2015 and became the governor under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party,PDP, and ruled for 8 years. He was thereafter succeeded by the late Peter Nwaoboshi who retained the seat from 2015 to 2023 when Nwoko took over from him.
Interestingly, Nwoko had declared his intention to seek the mandate of the people for a second term just like his predecessors and had even visited President Tinubu to inform him of his desire to run for another term.
But back home, the people are thinking differently despite what the senator considers his sterling performance in service of the nation and his senatorial district.
While marking his two years in the senate, Nwoko had beaten his chest so loudly, declaring that he had sponsored 31 bills, 25 motions and attracted 51 projects to his constituency.
In all, the bill on the Anioma State Creation which he also sponsored should rank as the flagship bill of the Nwoko era in the National Assembly as the bill continues to receive avowals across a wide spectrum of people. Even the Senate president, Godswill Akpabio had thrown his full weight behind the bill with assurances that Anioma State will be on the top list of states that would be created.
Many observers are however miffed that despite what should be considered an impressive scorecard by senator Nwoko, there is increasing agitation for Ifeanyi Okowa to present himself for the Delta North senatorial seat in 2027 in lieu of Nwoko.
According to some observers, the sordid public display of Nwoko with his exlover, Regina Daniels portrayed the senator in a very bad light and made him lose great value before many responsible members of the society despite whatever he might have achieved in the National Assembly.
Perhaps looking at Okowa as one who would act more responsibly, the traditional rulers in Delta North Senatorial District took up their drums and went to town to drum up support for the return of the former governor to the senate.
The monarchs declared their support at a high-level meeting held at the palace of HRM Obi Uche Irenuma II, the Obi and Paramount Ruler of Abavo Kingdom.
The traditional rulers passed a vote of confidence in both Okowa and the incumbent Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, citing their commitment to community development and peace.
The monarchs highlighted Okowa’s past achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and human capital development during his tenure as governor. They noted that Okowa’s legislative experience would enhance the voice of Delta North in the National Assembly, bringing more federal presence to the region.
Also the Ndokwa Youth Leaders Assembly along with other groups joined the bandwagon urging Okowa to contest the Delta North Senatorial seat in 2027, with some pledging to purchase his nomination and expression of interest forms.
They described Okowa as a “tested and trusted” leader, citing his experience and his ability to bring developmental projects to the region.
Some of the supporters argue that Okowa’s presence in the Senate would give the district a stronger voice, with some citing dissatisfaction with the current representative, Senator Ned Nwoko.
However, a Coalition of Delta North Youths (CDNY), representing various communities across the district strongly rejected the return bid of Okowa to the senate.
In a protest,they urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate allegations of misappropriated funds during Okowa’s administration.
Read also:
- Okowa’s return to Senate will boost Delta North, group claims
- Okowa accepts senatorial APC ticket bid after pressure from Anioma leaders
- 2027: Delta North monarchs back Oborevwori, seek Okowa’s return to Senate
The opposition group argued for “fresh faces” and against what they termed as”family enterprise” politics.
But further pushing for Okowa, political leaders from Delta north senatorial district led by Monday Onyeme, Delta state deputy governor, comprising former and serving lawmakers, government officials, and political stakeholders from the nine LGAs of the district beckoned on Okowa to run for the Delta North senatorial seat.
The leaders described Okowa as a “seasoned administrator” and “consensus builder”, adding that his experience as former governor and senator positions him for an effective position.
Okowa lapped up the endorsements and expressed readiness to present himself for the position. He even went ahead to express regret for supporting Senator Nwoko.
So is this the end of the road for the psychedelic Senator Nwoko? Many voices against him and quite very insignificant voices speaking for him.
Okowa is as good as having the ticket already. The governor, Sheriff Oborevwori is his boy whom he handed over to as governor in 2023.
Will Nwoko seek an alternative platform?
