Political permutations ahead of the 2027 general elections are already stirring in Delta North Senatorial District, with indications that a fierce contest may be looming between former Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, and the incumbent senator, Ned Nwoko.
Speculation has continued to mount that Okowa may throw his hat into the ring for the senatorial seat—a move that could trigger a high-stakes battle within the All Progressives Congress (APC), where both political heavyweights currently belong.
The duo share a history of rivalry, having first clashed in 2011 when Okowa, then of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), defeated Nwoko, who contested under the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP), to clinch the Senate seat. Okowa represented Delta North from 2011 to 2015 before ascending to the governorship, while the late Peter Nwaoboshi later occupied the position from 2015 to 2023.
Nwoko’s political journey to the Senate was marked by persistence. After losing the PDP ticket in 2019, he eventually secured victory in the 2023 elections under the PDP platform, reportedly with the backing of Okowa, who was then the party’s vice-presidential candidate.
However, political alliances have since shifted. Amid internal wrangling within the PDP, Nwoko defected to the APC in January 2025, citing deep divisions within the party. Months later, Okowa, alongside Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other stakeholders, also joined the ruling party, setting the stage for a potential intra-party clash.
Though Okowa has yet to formally declare his intention, endorsements from various groups across Delta North have fuelled speculation about his ambition. Political observers note that his entrenched grassroots network and longstanding influence in the district could give him a strategic edge.
“Okowa remains a formidable grassroots politician with significant control of the political structure in Delta North,” said analyst Gabriel Osekene, while cautioning that Nwoko possesses the capacity to mount a strong challenge.
Nwoko, a former member of the House of Representatives, has built considerable political capital over the years. His advocacy for the creation of Anioma State and his performance in the 2023 elections—where he secured one of the few senatorial victories for the PDP—have bolstered his profile.
Observers say the APC primary could be as fiercely contested as the general election itself, especially if both men refuse to step down for a consensus candidate.
With party congresses concluded and attention gradually shifting to primaries, Delta North is shaping up to be a key battleground, with the potential contest between Okowa and Nwoko expected to rank among the most closely watched political duels ahead of 2027.
