A group of Anioma leaders and political stakeholders has strongly rejected a purported endorsement of former Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, for the Delta North Senatorial seat ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing the move as illegitimate, speculative, and disconnected from established political structures.
In a detailed rejoinder, the signatories faulted a press statement credited to a group known as Agugu Anioma, which claimed to have endorsed Okowa for the Senate.
They argued that the endorsement lacked procedural legitimacy and failed to reflect the position of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta North.
According to the statement, Delta North APC has already reached a formal resolution endorsing the second term bid of the incumbent senator, Prince Ned Munir Nwoko.
The group said this decision was democratically taken at a well-attended APC Senatorial meeting in Idumuje-Ugboko, with the presence of party executives, elders, and stakeholders from across Anioma.
“The Delta North APC is an organised political structure, not a vacuum,” the statement read. “Endorsements must follow consultation, and consultation must follow structure. Anything outside this process is devoid of legitimacy.”
The group further questioned the basis of endorsing Senator Okowa, noting that he has not formally declared interest in contesting the Senate seat.
They described the endorsement as speculative and an attempt to manufacture political momentum without transparency.
Beyond process, the rejoinder also raised substantive concerns about Okowa’s public record, referencing unresolved allegations of financial mismanagement during his tenure as governor and what the group described as persistent marginalisation and infrastructural deficits in Anioma communities.
“Press statements cannot erase records,” the signatories stated, adding that the Senate “is not a rehabilitation centre for exhausted political careers” and that leadership should be judged by outcomes, inclusion, and legacy.
In contrast, the group praised Senator Ned Nwoko’s performance, citing what they described as visible and quality representation that has earned him the confidence of Anioma constituents.
They insisted that the senatorial seat is not vacant and that mandates are earned through service, not media declarations.
The statement also challenged Agugu Anioma to clarify its moral authority and explain the rationale behind endorsing a candidate facing public credibility questions.
It described the endorsement as “political eye service” and “transactional,” rather than reflective of grassroots consensus.
The group reaffirmed its support for Senator Nwoko as the preferred candidate for Delta North in 2027 and pledged to defend what it described as the people’s mandate.
The rejoinder was signed by over 30 individuals, including traditional leaders, professionals, and community representatives from across Anioma, underscoring what they said was a broad-based rejection of the alleged endorsement.
As political realignments ahead of 2027 continue to unfold, the development signals intensifying contestation within Delta North and highlights the growing emphasis on internal party processes, performance, and public accountability
The statement was signed by Chief Ifeanyichukwu Kingsley Enuenwosu,
Eze Onwenna, Ikenwugwu Keonye, Emuji Peter, Mr Emeke Enuenwosu, Godwin Obire, Tony Okolie, Ndu Rashford, Shanty Chioma, Cynthia Osakwe, Favour Ekpe, Chief Justin Okpu, Authentic Ujenuwa, Mrs Kate Ujene and Pastor Oliver Ikechukwu.
Others are Curtis Ojougbo, Christopher Nwani, Tony Jombo, Nwachukwu Sadik, James Okocha, Bridget Odiakaose, Okocha Afam, Nkem Ojugbeli, Ambrose Abel and Chinonye Abanum.
