ASABA: As the 2027 general elections draw closer, political uncertainty continues to surround the race for the Delta North senatorial seat, popularly known as the Anioma district. Unlike other senatorial zones where potential candidates are gradually emerging, the contest in Delta North remains largely undefined, with political actors positioning themselves ahead of the primaries.
The situation has been further complicated by the ongoing internal tensions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, particularly following the party congress recently held in Asaba, the state capital.
Several prominent political figures reportedly stayed away from the exercise; a development widely interpreted as a sign of deepening divisions within the party structure in the state.
Among those said to have shunned the congress were the incumbent senator representing Delta North, Ned Nwoko; former Deputy Senate President and APC chieftain, Ovie Omo-Agege; and political allies of former Delta State governor and influential political leader, James Ibori. The absence of these key figures from the gathering has intensified speculation about the internal struggles within the party and the possible implications for future elections.
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Observers say the boycott by such heavyweights reflects the fragile alliances currently shaping politics in Delta State and highlights disagreements over party leadership and control of political structures.
At the Centre of the unfolding political drama is the contest for the Delta North senatorial ticket of the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.
Many stakeholders in the Anioma area believe Senator Ned Nwoko deserves a second term in the Senate to consolidate the initiatives he has started during his current tenure. His supporters argue that his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC was partly influenced by internal disagreements within the PDP and concerns that he might not secure the party’s ticket for another term.
Political insiders have also pointed to reported disagreements between the senator and the Delta State leadership over certain development initiatives, including projects promoted by Nwoko in the region.
Adding another layer of complexity to the contest is speculation that former governor Ifeanyi Okowa may be considering a return to the Senate. Okowa previously represented Delta North during the 7th National Assembly and remains a strong political figure in the Anioma political landscape.
Although he has not officially declared his intention to run, some of his loyalists have reportedly begun mobilising support across the district, fuelling rumours of a possible comeback bid.
The political equation in the state shifted dramatically when Okowa and the incumbent governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, aligned with the APC, a move that surprised many political observers and altered the balance of power within the state.
Analysts believe the positions of influential political actors such as Ovie Omo-Agege and the political network associated with former governor James Ibori could play a decisive role in determining the direction of the APC in Delta State.
Their absence from the recent party congress in Asaba has raised questions about whether the party can maintain unity ahead of the crucial 2027 elections.
As the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) prepares to release the official timetable for the next general elections, the political atmosphere in Delta North remains fluid.
Will Senator Ned Nwoko secure the APC ticket and return to the Senate for another term? Could former governor Okowa stage a political comeback to the Red Chamber? Or will the internal crisis within the APC reshape the race entirely?
For now, the Anioma political arena remains tense, with party leaders, stakeholders and voters watching closely as alliances shift and ambitions begin to crystallise ahead of the 2027 polls.
