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Delta North Senate 2027: Why Okowa Has Edge Over Ochei in Anioma Battle
The 2027 Delta North senatorial contest is shaping up as a two-horse race between former Delta State Governor Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Engr. Victor Ochei of the Nigeria Democratic Party (NDC). Popularly known as Anioma, Delta North is home to Asaba, the seat of government and symbolic centre of Delta’s political identity.
Find below Norbert Chiazor’s political analysis…
DELTA NORTH SENATE 2027: OKOWA REIGNS, OCHEI RUNS—Norbert Chiazor, (P.hD)
Delta North is the beautiful bride of Delta state. So charming to woo and adore.
Popularly known as Anioma, Delta North is home to Asaba,the seat of government and symbolic centre of Delta’s political identity.
This context foregrounds the symbolism of the 2027 Delta North senatorial contest.
In the mix, one name swings the pendulum: Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa. He carries the biggest banner under the All Progressives Congress (APC)
Engineer Victor Ochei is his major contender in this two horse-race. He is contesting under the Nigeria Democratic Party (NDC).
Yet this senatorial contest is peculiar. Anioma moment in the sun. Excellent sports. Good spotlight. Make no mistake about it! The Okowa-Ochei encounter is far from being a dirty duel. It is an ace game of hierarchy.
Both men are part of Anioma’s storied history. Ochei is good. Okowa is better, by far. There is no hyperbole in acknowledging Okowa’s height. Anioma’s favourite. Like the Ijele masquerade, he is a colourful spectacle. Admired by friends, envied by foes.
In contemporary Delta North politics, Okowa occupies a commanding stature. His reputation is unusually deep and defining. Anioma’s first son by honour.
When in 2014, Anioma Congress, led by the then Asagba of Asaba, late Professor Chike Edozien undertook to screen dozens of Delta North governorship aspirants, Okowa emerged as the most preferred.
The highly credible screening committee which was headed by respected technocrat, Chief Philip Asiodu, made a famous statement that the choice of Okowa was based on his personality, intelligence, depth and political acceptability. The panel explained that they were not cloning partisan function but only concerned about saving Anioma and aiding her sons and daughters to present their best candidate in the gubernatorial race.
Okowa, destined to excel, had since served out his tenure as the first Delta governor of Anioma origin, with resonant plaudits. His life experience is vast and legendary.
Politics, like pedigree, is hierarchical. If Ochei were to contest a senatorial seat against an Ndudi Elumelu, discerning minds across Anioma would readily support the former Speaker of the Delta state House of Assembly, given his established profile. The comparison would be difficult to dismiss.
Conversely, had Elumelu faced an aspirant such as Hon. Ngozi Okolie in a fair political contest in the 2023 House of Representatives election, Elumelu might well have prevailed.
Just as Dr Tony Nwaka (Ide), would stand out among political aspirants in the Aniocha/Oshimili axis, given a level playing field. The same logic goes for the elegant lioness of Ubulu-Uku, Ada Anioma.
Every ladder has a level. Some footsteps are loftier than others. Even when every one is walking to be noticed, some strides are swifter on stage.
In politics, as in life, track record matters.
Truly, Delta North senate 2027 is a reality check.
Okowa has name recognition, organizational base and historical significance. In Delta North and across Delta, his presence is ubiquitous. He has social capital.
Grassroots footing- Okowa’s greatest advantage determines elections. Not jaded slogans or orchestrated propaganda. No spurious stereotyping can sully his stature. No social media stunt or screaming headlines can erase his standing. Okowa is the political mascot of Delta North.
He leads.
With his formidable political structure, deeply entrenched by inter personal relationships and strength of character, 2027 senate seems clement in favour of the former governor. It is safe to bet: Okowa the winner, Ochei the fitting challenger. For Anioma people, Okowa is the reason; Ochei is the racer. One reigns; the other runs. No Victor, no vanquished. Hopefully.
The higher chamber is hallowed. Those who exercise the senate office have a duty to be highly competent. Whenever Okowa as senator rises for his constituents, his presence would always emit unifying vibes, his tone bridled, body language restrained and actions dignified, no matter the circumstances. He has the thought and temperament. At the national stage, he will consummate Anioma interests affectionately.
As he famously sang in a memorable rendition of the classic hymn “On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand” by British cleric Edward Mote, Okowa evokes a message of blessed assurance for Delta North.
His hope is built on nothing less… God and guts.
Norbert Chiazor, (P.hD)
9 October 2026
(Disclaimer: This is an opinion article by Dr. Norbert Chiazor. Views expressed are personal.)