Political tension is mounting in Delta North senatorial district as the Coalition of Delta North Youths has firmly rejected the reported senatorial ambition of former Delta state governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.
At a press briefing held in Agbor, Delta state, leaders of the pan-senatorial youth movement declared that Okowa should not be allowed to contest for the Senate seat until he clears himself of the alleged N1.3 trillion corruption charges reportedly filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The coalition’s conveners – Benjamin Atagama-Ofochi, Kingsley Kainehi, and the Vice President II of the Movement for the Emancipation of Anioma Nation, Mr. Agholor Okoh accused the former governor of dominating the political landscape in Delta North for too long.
They stressed that the district was not pleading with him to run and should no longer remain under what they described as his political control.
The group also criticised the continued influence of the Okowa family in public affairs, raising concerns over the prospect of both the former governor and his daughter, Marilyn Okowa Daramola, occupying public offices.
According to the coalition, their opposition is driven by the need to create opportunities for younger politicians, and to end what they termed political dominance and suppression in the district.
They linked their stance to the agitation for the creation of Anioma state, warning that anyone opposing the cause—regardless of status—would be seen as standing against the people.
Reading from a prepared statement, the youth leaders declared their position as final and non-negotiable.
“Today, we formally, categorically, and irreversibly reject the senatorial ambition of Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for the Delta North Senatorial District seat. Our position rests on a foundation of undeniable facts, verifiable records, and the expressed will of the people we represent,” the statement read.
They further alleged that Okowa is currently facing criminal charges filed by the EFCC over the purported diversion of N1.3 trillion in Delta state funds during his tenure from 2015 to 2023, describing the development as a serious matter since it involves charges reportedly brought before a court by the nation’s anti-graft agency.
The coalition described the situation as not only an indictment of Okowa but also of what it called a culture of impunity that thrived during his administration.
They called on President Bola Tinubu, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and other key political stakeholders to deny Okowa any party ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.
The group also urged the former governor to step away from partisan politics and focus on clearing his name.
“We equally call on Dr. Okowa himself to demonstrate that he has faith in the judiciary and in his own innocence by stepping aside from politics to face and clear his name at the EFCC before returning to seek public trust,” the statement added.
The coalition maintained that its campaign is independent and not backed by any political interests, insisting that it is acting in defence of democracy and the future of Delta North.
They concluded by stressing that no individual should treat the senatorial district as a personal political estate, affirming the right of the people to freely choose their leaders.
