Former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa’s Sunday’s declaration to contest for the Delta North Senatorial seat has sparked a wave of strong and critical reactions across political circles and social media platforms.
Okowa made his intention known on Sunday after a delegation of Delta North leaders reportedly paid him a visit, urging him to enter the race. However, the claim that he was “called upon” to contest has been met with skepticism and, in some quarters, outright rejection.
Reactions on social media were rather repugnant on his assertion that it was the people of Delta North who called him to go for the Senate. Most netizens who reacted insisted it was his personal call for personal benefit not people of Delta North.
A significant number who reacted following the post of his declaration on social media questioned both the timing and necessity of his ambition, especially in light of the incumbent senator Ned Nwoko’s performance in the red chambers.
Tarkighir Kenneth Jenson, who reacted to a post made by Ovie Success Ossai on the former governor’s declaration, dismissed the move as unnecessary, arguing that the current senator should be allowed to complete ongoing projects in his second term without disruption.
He framed the contest as potentially driven by rivalry and selfish interest rather than for the public good.
Others took a more critical stance on Okowa’s past record. Ugheni Leo, in reacting to the same post, challenged the former governor’s legacy in Delta North, questioning what tangible achievements he delivered during his previous tenure in the Senate.
Similarly, Augustine Enwelim rejected the narrative of a popular appeal, insisting that there was no genuine demand for Okowa’s return to the National Assembly. He argued that Okowa was only interested in personal interest and not of Anioma people.
The tone of disapproval extended to concerns about political ethics and transparency.
Onokpasa Oghenevwede went further to criticize the framing of the declaration, accusing political actors of masking personal ambition under the guise of public demand. He called for more honesty in political communication.
Some commentators also warned of broader political consequences. Venerable Odioko described the move as one that could destabilize the political environment in Delta North and the state at large.
He advised Okowa to adopt the role of an elder statesman ahead of the 2027 general elections, rather than re-entering active electoral politics to contest for senate.
Calls for generational or leadership transition were also evident. Don Baba Kay urged the former governor to step aside and allow continuity, while Tabekaemi Toruyai David Peremobowei questioned whether Okowa could match the impact of the current officeholder, Senator Ned Nwoko.
In a separate discussion thread, concerns about political equity and family influence surfaced. This group is worried on why Okowa should contest for Senate while his daughter is also contesting for state House of assembly.
Ozuke Ebimiesinde raised questions about the optics of Okowa seeking a Senate seat while his daughter is reportedly active in the State House of Assembly, suggesting that such a scenario could raise issues of political dominance within a single family.
Meanwhile, Japhet Ray Straud highlighted procedural concerns, emphasizing that party structures and loyalty should be respected, particularly if Okowa intends to contest under a different political platform.
He argued that the former governor should respect those he met as APC members and not planning to overthrow them and seize power from them.
