The declaration by former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, to contest the Delta North Senatorial seat has ignited widespread debate, drawing mixed reactions from political stakeholders and social media commentators alike.
Okowa, who made his intention public on Sunday, said he was responding to appeals from leaders across Delta North who allegedly urged him to re-enter the National Assembly race. According to sources, the former governor disclosed this after receiving a delegation of political leaders from the district.
“I have been encouraged by respected leaders and stakeholders from Delta North to step forward and offer myself for service once again,” Okowa reportedly stated. “This is not about personal ambition, but about answering a call to serve my people.”
However, the claim that he was “called upon” to contest has been met with skepticism in several quarters, with critics questioning both the authenticity of such appeals and the underlying motives behind his decision.
Across social media platforms, reactions have been largely critical, with many insisting that the move reflects personal ambition rather than collective demand. Several commentators argued that the narrative of a popular call is often used as a political strategy to legitimize individual aspirations.
Reacting to a post by Ovie Success Ossai, Tarkighir Kenneth Jenson dismissed the development as unnecessary, urging that the incumbent senator, Ned Nwoko, be allowed to consolidate on his achievements.
“Why disrupt ongoing progress?” Jenson queried. “The current senator should be given the space to complete his mandate. Politics should not be driven by rivalry or personal gain.”
Others went further, interrogating Okowa’s past performance. Ugheni Leo questioned the former governor’s legacy in Delta North, particularly during his previous stint in the Senate.
“We need to ask critical questions about what he delivered the last time he represented the district,” Leo remarked. “Leadership should be about measurable impact, not recycled ambitions.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Augustine Enwelim rejected the notion of a groundswell of support for Okowa’s return, insisting that the move does not reflect the wishes of the Anioma people.
“There is no overwhelming call from the people,” he said. “This appears to be a personal project driven by self-interest rather than public need.”
Concerns over political ethics and transparency also featured prominently in the discourse. Onokpasa Oghenevwede criticized what he described as the tendency of political actors to cloak personal ambition in the language of public demand.
“Let’s be honest with the people,” he said. “If it’s ambition, say so. Don’t dress it up as a divine or popular mandate.”
Beyond individual criticisms, some observers warned of broader implications for the political stability of the state. Venerable Odioko cautioned that the development could unsettle the political balance in Delta North ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“At this stage, what the state needs is stability and mentorship,” he advised. “Former leaders should assume elder statesman roles rather than rejoining the fray.”
Calls for generational shift also emerged strongly. Don Baba Kay advocated for continuity and the emergence of new leaders, while Tabekaemi Toruyai David Peremobowei questioned whether Okowa could surpass the performance of the current officeholder.
Adding another layer to the controversy are concerns about political equity and family influence. Ozuke Ebimiesinde raised questions over the optics of Okowa seeking a Senate seat while his daughter is reportedly pursuing a seat in the State House of Assembly.
“This raises serious questions about concentration of political power within a single family,” he noted. “It’s not just about legality, but perception and fairness.”
In a separate thread, Japhet Ray Straud emphasized the importance of party discipline and internal cohesion, especially amid speculations that Okowa could contest under a different political platform.
“Party structures must be respected,” Straud argued. “You cannot undermine those who have built the system and expect seamless acceptance.”
As reactions continue to pour in, Okowa’s declaration has undoubtedly reshaped the political conversation in Delta North, setting the stage for what could become a highly contested and closely watched senatorial race in the lead-up to 2027.
