2027: Guwor, Erijo, Otuaro, Omu, Macaulay, Ukodhiko, Pondi, Others Rally Support as Sen. Joel-Onowakpo Declares Second Term Bid

…as stakeholders adopt Tinubu, Oborevwori

Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, representing Delta South Senatorial District, on Friday formally declared his intention to seek second term re-election.

Joel-Onowakpo who declared in a carnival-like ceremony, hinged his second term ambition on the various legislative and developmental projects he has attracted to the district.

At the ceremony, stakeholders unanimously adopted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as sole presidential and governorship candidates respectively for the 2027 general elections.

A motion for Tinubu and Oborevwori endorsement was moved by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prince Johnson Erijo and was seconded by Hon. Timi Tonye after which it was put to a voice vote by the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, and was overwhelmingly adopted.

Addressing his constituents at the event held at Oleh Township Stadium on Friday, Senator Joel-Onowakpo said he has eight bills in his kitty out of which four have been passed by both chambers of the National Assembly, with one already signed into law and others awaiting presidential assent.

He noted that the bills are targeted at improving the welfare of his constituents and addressing critical development needs.

Reeling out more of his interventions, the senator, said over 1,500 constituents have benefited from empowerment programmes involving the distribution of motorcycles, tricycles, sewing and grinding machines, boat engines, refrigerators, and fertilizers.

The chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content, said that more than 500 people have also undergone training in agribusiness, welding, electrical maintenance, ICT, and maritime-related skills, while others have secured employment in public and private sectors, alongside scholarships awarded to students across the country.

The Senator commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the Nigerian Maritime University, describing it as a landmark federal presence that will boost education and economic growth in Delta South.

He also praised Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his infrastructural strides and leadership, noting that the administration has strengthened the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

He however admitted facing some initial challenges as a first-time senator which were like a learning curve of which mistakes are bound to be made and appealed to his constituents for understanding.

The lawmaker expressed confidence that his experience has better prepared him to deliver more effective representation, promising expanded opportunities, more development projects, and improved living standards.

He reaffirmed his support for the re-election of President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori, describing their leadership as vital to the continued progress of Delta State and Nigeria.

In his remarks, Delta South APC Chairman, Chief Emmanuel Amgbaduba, congratulated the senator on his declaration but noted that the party would, at the appropriate time, determine its position through democratic processes, including consensus or direct primaries. He also commended President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori for the confidence reposed in them by party members.

Dignitaries at the event included Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; Hon. Jonathan Ukodhiko; Dr. Julius Pondi; Hon. Nicholas Mutu; Presidential Amnesty Programme Administrator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro; and Executive Director, South-South Development Commission, Dr. Timi Tonye.

Other speakers, including Chief Iduh Amadhe; Senator Stella Omu; Rt. Hon. Funkekeme Solomon; Chief Ovuozourie Macaulay; Omatsoguwa Evans; and Olorogun Bernard Okumagba, all spoke in support of the senator’s re-election.

Also in attendance were council chairmen from across the district, including Bomadi Chairman, Hon. Andaye Dagidi; Burutu Chairman, Hon. Julius Takeme; Isoko South Chairman, Hon. Friday Ovoke; Patani Chairman, Hon. Isaac Aguanah; Warri North Chairman, Hon. Festus Ashima; Warri South Chairman, Hon. Isaac Agbateyiniro; and Warri South-West Chairman, Hon. Sylvester Oromoni, as well as the Vice Chairman of Isoko North, Hon. Dr. Evelyn Aluta.

Members of the Delta State House of Assembly present included Hon. Bino Owhede, Hon. Ferguson Onwo, Hon. Benson I Obire, Hon. Anthony Alakpala, and Hon. Edafe Emakpor, representing Uvwie Constituency.