Okowa Finally Opens Up On Ned Nwoko

Former Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has dismissed insinuations of any rift between him and Senator Ned Nwoko, declaring that he bears no animosity or has any issues with any political leader in Delta North or elsewhere in the state.

Okowa made the clarification at the Delta North Senatorial meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held on Saturday at Obiaruku, headquarters of Ukwuani Local Government Area. His remarks followed a call for unity made earlier by Dr. Emmanuel Eboh, who represented Senator Nwoko at the meeting.

Eboh had urged the zone’s four prominent political gladiators — Okowa, Nwoko, Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme, and Senator Peter Nwaoboshi — to close ranks for the progress of Delta North. He described Okowa as the “national leader” of the party in the district but stressed that his appeal was personal.

In his response, Okowa said he was surprised by claims of disunity, insisting that he related well with all political leaders from the zone, including the deputy governor, Senator Nwaoboshi, and Senator Nwoko.

“I am not aware that I am quarreling with anyone. I relate very well with the deputy governor seated beside me. I relate well with Senator Nwaoboshi, and I have no problem (issues) with Senator Ned Nwoko,” he said.

“We may not be the best of friends, but as members of the same party, the leaders must come together for greater effect. I am for peace. I bear no grudge against anyone.”

Okowa added that real party leadership rests in the wards and local government areas where grassroots mobilisers work tirelessly to build the party’s base. He emphasised the need to reward and respect such efforts rather than dwell on personal ambitions.

“Those who ride on the hard work of our grassroots mobilisers to reach political heights must show appreciation. Our personal ambitions should not come first. Let us put the party above self,” he advised.

The former governor urged stakeholders to prioritise voter registration and membership drive ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing it as key to APC’s future success.

“There’s a high probability that anyone with a party membership card will vote for the party’s candidates. We must sustain our mobilisation efforts and grow our base,” he said.

GWG.ng reports that the assertion by Okowa follows reports of issues between that led to Nwoko defecting to the APC before the former governor galvanised the PDP in the state to also join the APC.

Okowa also commended the leaders of Ukwuani Local Government for their unity and thanked them for hosting the meeting.

Earlier, Delta North APC Chairman, Chief Adizue Eluaka, reported encouraging figures for voter and membership registration but called for continuous mobilisation. He also appreciated stakeholders for their support of the ongoing online registration exercise.

Those that attended the meeting include Elder Monday Onyeme, Deputy Governor of Delta State, Chief Omene Sebotie, State chairman of the party; Chief Chris Agbobu, former minister; Mr. Chiedu Ebie, NDDC Chairman; Dr. Martin Okonta, former speaker of Delta State House of Assembly; Dr. Festus Ochonogor, MD of DESOPADEC; Chief Fidelis Tilije, Commissioner of Finance; Hon Pascal Adigwe, Hon Joan  Mrakpor, Hon Tony Elekeokuri, DG of Delta Investments and Development Agency; Hon Ifeanyi Eboigbe, Engr. Jerry Ehiwarior, Ika South Local Government Chairman; Hon Monday Hunkanma Odigwe, Ika North-East Local Government Chairman; Chief Obi Nzete, Ndokwa West Local Government Chairman; Sir Steve Ikpade, Engr. Daniel Ossai; Hon Emeke Nwaobi, Majority Leader of Delta State House of Assembly; Hon Marlyn Daramola-Okowa, Elder Moses Idu, Barr Victor Okoh, Mr. Amaechi Igumbor, Chief Sony Obuseh, Mr. Sunday Bamah and Mr. Emeke Aside.

Saturday’s gathering was the second Delta North APC stakeholders’ meeting since the mass defection of PDP members to the APC in April. Party leaders resolved to continue harmonising interests to ensure cohesion and to support both President Bola Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori ahead of the 2027 elections.