By Obah Sylva
Former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has faced sharp criticism in online discussions after his speech at the APC’s 2027 campaign flag-off in Oleh, Isoko South, where he urged the party to target more than two million votes for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
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The rally set out the APC’s case for political unity and alignment with the Federal Government. Coverage of the Oleh flag-off reported Okowa’s two-million-vote target. Online responses to the speech have included insults, revived allegations about his governorship, complaints about regional neglect and declarations of support for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). Follow Isoko news from Oleh and neighbouring communities.
Key Highlights
- Okowa urged APC supporters to target more than two million votes for Tinubu and Oborevwori in 2027.
- The speech at the campaign flag-off in Oleh drew hostile online reactions.
- Some commenters revived allegations about the management of Delta’s 13 per cent derivation funds; the allegations have not been proven in court and Okowa has denied wrongdoing.
- Critics accused his administration of favouring Asaba and Ika in development and appointments.
- NDC supporters used “Delta is NDC” to challenge the APC’s claim to statewide strength.
- Okowa’s Delta North Senate contest with former Speaker Victor Ochei is shaping up as a major political battle.
Okowa targets two million votes for Tinubu and Oborevwori
At the rally, attended by Governor Oborevwori, Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme and other APC leaders, Okowa urged party supporters to unite behind the party’s candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Delta must speak with one voice in 2027. We must deliver over two million votes for President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori. That is our target, and it is achievable if we work together from our polling units,” he said.
Okowa urged Isoko leaders and party faithful to treat the campaign as a statewide political project, with mobilisation across Delta North, Delta Central and Delta South. In a post on his X account after the event, he also called for sustained grassroots mobilisation and a strong mandate for Delta State.
APC speakers at the rally highlighted proposed infrastructure projects for Isoko, including a Federal Medical Centre in Oleh and the dualisation of key roads.
Okowa faces online backlash over governorship allegations
Some online commenters revived allegations concerning Okowa’s eight-year administration from 2015 to 2023, including claims about the management of the state’s 13 per cent derivation funds. The allegations have not been established as proven wrongdoing in court.
Okowa was invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in 2024 over allegations involving approximately ₦1.3 trillion in derivation receipts. He has denied wrongdoing, while his aides have said he accounted for funds received during his administration.
The criticism has largely appeared in brief comments and accusations rather than detailed discussion of the allegations.
Critics allege neglect of parts of Delta North
Another theme in the online reaction is the accusation that the former administration concentrated development and political appointments in Asaba and the Ika area at the expense of other communities.
Some critics, particularly supporters of Okowa’s Delta North Senate rival, former Delta State House of Assembly Speaker Victor Ochei of the NDC, have accused the administration of giving insufficient attention to Ndokwa and Ukwuani communities. They have also raised concerns about unfinished or delayed infrastructure projects and the distribution of political appointments.
These claims remain part of the political debate, with supporters and opponents offering competing assessments of Okowa’s record.
“Delta is NDC”: opposition supporters challenge APC strength
The slogan “Delta is NDC” has appeared in responses from Ochei and NDC supporters, signalling opposition to the APC’s claim to statewide political dominance.
The exchanges reflect continuing competition among Delta’s political blocs after former PDP structures, including Okowa and Oborevwori, moved to the APC in 2025.
Okowa and Ochei face a Delta North Senate contest
Okowa represented Delta North in the Senate from 2011 to 2015 before becoming governor. He is seeking a return to the National Assembly on the APC platform. Ochei, a former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, is contesting the seat under the NDC after leaving the APC earlier in 2026.
The contest has drawn attention following the APC primary in which Okowa defeated incumbent Senator Ned Nwoko. Ika, Anioma, Ndokwa, Ukwuani, Isoko and Urhobo communities are among the constituencies and identities that shape the political contest across Delta State.
Read also:
- 2027: APC Flags Off Delta Campaign in Oleh, Presents Flags to Candidates as Oborevwori Announces FMC for Oleh
- 2027: Isoko APC Leaders Set 2m Votes Target For Tinubu, Oborevwori
APC’s two-million-vote target faces a public opinion test
APC leaders have presented the target as an achievable mobilisation goal, while online criticism points to the challenge of turning party structures and political defections into broad public acceptance across the state’s three senatorial districts.
As the 2027 elections approach, debates about Okowa’s governorship record, regional development and the NDC’s challenge are likely to remain part of Delta State politics.
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